WeavingLab. of OverLab. is a research-based art project that addresses disparities and alienation in contemporary society by focusing on urban location and historicity. Artists from Gwangju (Sooji Kang & Hayoung Lee) and Bacolod/Iloilo in the Philippines (Moreen Austria & Margaux Blas) collaborate in teams to explore themes related to location, culture, society, and history in their respective cities and communicate “A Tale of Two Cities” through collaborative artistic interpretations.
Sooji Kang and Hayoung Lee connect the fair-trade history of muscovado (organic sugar), which is mainly produced in Bacolod, Philippines, with the farmers and other people who protect the integrity of Gwangju’s native rice. The installation work they present showcases the similarities between the Filipino and Korean people who strive to preserve the values of diversity and community despite their numerous challenges.
Margaux Blas and Moreen Austria focus on the history of the textile industry in both cities, highlighting the labor of women weavers as an integral part of the industry and the role of women in society. They aim to present a sustainable alternative to art by weaving the stories of human lives, especially those of women, through the laborious history of the industry with Jute fabric from Bacolod, indigenous textile fragments from Iloilo, and fabric from Gwangju, all organically woven and produced using eco-friendly processes.
A Tale of Two Cities is an exhibition that reveals the process of co-creation, providing a glimpse into the research and creation of the artwork. The showcase event, held on November 8, 2024, and open to the public, provided insight into the creative process, including the contextual research conducted between the two cities and its translation into artworks.
