‘WakamonoT: Memories We Carry’ by Tulika Ranjan
‘WakamonoT: Memories We Carry’ is an exhibition showcasing art pieces by Redress’ current designer-in-residence, Tulika Ranjan. Located at Mondrian Hong Kong’s art space, The Corner Shop, the exhibition runs from 26 October – 24 November 2024.
Inspired by the ancient folk craft of oriental knotting, designer Ranjan embarks on a journey that intertwines with her overarching concept of ‘wakamono’, a Japanese term that embodies the spirit of youth. The outcome is ‘WakamonoT: Memories We Carry’, a sustainable design endeavour that draws from the experiences and emotions that shape our true identities. These art pieces, fashioned from discarded garments of Hong Kong, serve as a gentle invitation to reflect upon our formative journeys, rekindling the spirit of the child that resides within us all. In modernising this ancient technique of knotting, Ranjan artfully navigates the delicate interplay of cherished memories, encouraging us to untangle the knots that no longer serve us, and to embrace the truest versions of ourselves.
“I want this work to be a reminder that when we take the time to pause and reflect, we uncover the innate power to rewrite our narratives and forge new paths to tread in the future. After all, within each knot lies the potential for liberation and the rediscovery of our true selves,” shared Tulika Ranjan.
Charity Redress are committed to finding innovative solutions for the valuable clothes collected through their Takeback Programme in Hong Kong. While the majority of collected clothing is redistributed to charity partners or resold to promote secondhand, a significant portion (20–30%) is not suitable for reuse due to damage.
Mondrian Hong Kong, as part of a broader partnership with the Redress Design Award, has invited Redress to showcase projects from Redress’ designers-in-residence who are bringing creativity to this waste stream, showcasing the beauty in every unwanted garment.
What can you do to reduce your own wardrobe’s environmental impact? Explore here.
About the Redress Designer Residency Programme
Building on Redress’ goal to empower emerging fashion designers to create circular products, the Residency Programme supports a selection of Asia-based designers through collaborative projects that develop their skills and knowledge whilst showcasing solutions for waste and providing valuable cross-cultural exposure.
We educate and empower fashion consumers to buy better, keep longer, and dispose responsibly through public interaction events and activities with the designers.
The Residency programme is supported by The VF Foundation.
About Tulika Ranjan
Tulika Ranjan won the Redress Design Award 2021 People's Choice for her artisanal zero-waste collection. She graduated from National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi, India and went on to work towards revival of handloom textiles and supporting artisanal communities. She is now on the journey of becoming a textile researcher and artist, where she envisions becoming a bridge between India and Japan. Following a research fellowship award in Japan last fall, she is now working towards establishing an Indo-Japanese research and design studio.