BINUS Northumbria School of Design Hosts Kirie Workshop

14 September 2018

As part of its strategy to provide students with essential know-how from prominent industry practitioners, the BINUS Northumbria School of Design in partnership with the Indonesian Association of Graphic Designers hosted a Kirie workshop on 14th September 2018 at its FX campus in Jakarta.

Kirie or Kirigami is a unique paper cutting art form from Japan and students were provided with the opportunity to learn from Mr Shu Kobo, a renowned Japanese artist known for his contemporary Kirie artwork — many of his designs have been used on stamps, textiles, as well as bottles. As such, his designs have been exhibited worldwide in galleries in the USA, Spain, Portugal, the Philippines, and Malaysia among many others.

At the event, students were taught the various processes of Kirié from tracing the pattern to understanding how to use the specialized washi paper, to finally cutting the design. Moreover, the workshop showcased to students the history of this art form, and how since its inception in 610 AD, it has undertaken many influences, resulting in various contemporary motifs; the Kirié designs are often used to represent wealth, perfection, elegance, and man’s relationship with his family and community. The washi paper itself originated from China before it was brought to Japan and by 800 AD, the Japanese had manufactured their own washi paper.

This latest workshop is a prime example of the School of Design’s emphasis on providing both theoretical as well as practical knowledge. This strategy helps graduates produce new products and innovative fashion ensembles for the local and international fashion industry.