Yobun (余分)

Yobun (余分) (2023) is a project that came about after having purchased some fabric scraps at a shop in Tokyo. Wanting to repurpose them, I created a series of textile collages on blank Japanese postcards found in a second-hand shop.

I was inspired by the ethos of sashiko, a form of functional embroidery that originated during the Edo period (17th to 19th centuries). The technique was used by farmers and fishermen to reinforce and repair clothing and textiles, making them more durable.

Sashiko translates to "little stabs", reflecting the method of creating running stitches that resemble a series of small dashes. Over time, sashiko evolved from a practical necessity into an art form known for its intricate and beautiful geometric patterns.

Here, 余分 (Yobun), meaning excess, gives a second life to beautiful fabric scraps through textural prints. ☀︎

Medium: Paper, silk, cotton, sokui
Process: Collage
Dimensions: 15cm x 10cm
Publication: 2023