In modern times, East Asia has navigated through waves of geopolitical, economic and cultural crises, both internal and external, with countries and territories in the area simultaneously tested by the challenges of globalisation and multilateral relations. Shared among its people groups are knowledge systems and hard-learned lessons from history. Yet there are also paradoxical perception and deep-rooted antagonism mixed with interdependence and disdain that accompanied the establishment and collapse of cultural identities.

Titled A Compass in Hand, the first chapter of the Spinning East Asia Series sets out to navigate through, explore and articulate the entangled web of familiar yet alien, complex and constantly evolving social and cultural circumstances. 15 individuals and collectives of artist-designers embark on their research and creative journey, seeking to address how the historical, social and ideological landscapes of East Asia are accepted and shaped by individual cognition, formed as a result of the friction between various individual and collective forces. Here, textile as a method and idea is articulated through the study of ‘East Asia’ by exhibiting practitioners and presented through multiple forms such as materiality, technique and cultural meaning.

Venue address: CHAT, The Mills, 45 Pak Tin Par Street, Tsuen Wan