Atlàs transcoder , 2023, Interactive installation

Crediti immagini: 艾德莱斯绸 – 维基百科，自由的百科全书 (wikipedia.org)

Atlas is a silk fabric typical of the Xinjiang region in China, an important area along the southern Silk Road. Even today, Uyghur women use this fabric to make garments that are worn on special occasions. In Uyghur, “Atlas” means “light” and “abstract.” Thanks to its distinctive dyeing technique, the fabric features unique, irregular patterns and retains a free-spirited style regardless of the colors it is paired with.

The wavy pattern in Atles is not only an aesthetic choice, but also a profound symbol of the culture of Xinjiang, China. It expresses an appreciation for water, an understanding of the flow of life, and respect for the natural world. At the same time, it showcases traditional craftsmanship and the rich results of cultural exchange. These wavy motifs not only imitate and pay tribute to the natural world, but also serve as cultural symbols expressed through art.

This work uses an OpenCV algorithm to detect edges in images, transforming the collected data into an Atlàs pattern. This motif is a symbol of a unique artistic culture deeply rooted in the Xinjiang region of China and throughout the Silk Road. However, this cultural tradition, as well as the region it represents, is becoming increasingly distant from contemporary art and current issues. Through the work’s regenerative capacity and cultural richness, the artist seeks to bring local art and culture into closer dialogue with the contemporary art landscape, the concerns of the present, and the sensibilities of each of us.