Traditional dyeing is a complex process involving multiple interacting factors, with dyes slowly settling on the fabric over time. “Tac-dye” series breaks away from traditional dyeing techniques, disregarding the precision of dyeing and emphasizing the redefinition of dyeing through the discussion of controllable and uncontrollable aspects within the process of human-machine interaction.

A touch glove awaits a gentle touch from a hand. Unlike typical machinery, it resembles an extension of the artist’s hand. The energy at the fingertips activates a hydraulic mechanism connected to the touch glove, causing the dye to start flowing. Tubes guide the flow of indigo blue over the fabric. Under the influence of gravity, the ripples of indigo blue spread and extend from the top, creating an abstract painting. Each touch is an opportunity for creation, with inspiration flowing from the fingertips to the glove, from the glove to the dye, and then from the dye to the fabric.

“Tac-dye”, as the first experiment in the series, triggers the dyeing through human control, while the dye drips onto the fabric under the influence of gravity. The longer the dyeing time, the richer and more saturated the indigo blue colors become. This series will continue the dialogue between the three major factors: interaction, gravity, and time, in relation to dyeing.

The dyed fabric is knitted by Shima Seiki computerized knitting machine and is divided into two parts: double jersey fabric and seamless gloves. Hands/gloves, as essential symbols in the “Tac-dye” series, celebrating craftsmanship and tell a tangible story. “Tac-dye” uses indigo dye and recycled cotton yarns.

Technical support: Li Shao.

传统染色是多种因素相互作用的复杂过程，染料在织物上随着时间慢慢沉淀。《它染》系列打破了传统的染色技艺，忽略染色的准确性，而强调在人机交互的过程中通过讨论人为可控与不可控的关系重新定义染色。

一个触控手套等待着与手的轻轻接触。它不同于常见的机械，更像是艺术家的扩展之手。指尖的能量激活连接触控手套的水力装置，染料开始涌动，细管引导着靛蓝的流动，划至织物上方。在重力的指挥下，靛蓝的波纹从最上端开始扩散、延展，演绎出一幅抽象画。每一次触碰都是一次创作的契机，灵感从指尖迸发，从手套传递到染料，再从染料传递到织物。

 《它染》作为系列中的首次实验，通过人为控制的方式触发染色，而染料在重力的驱使下滴染在织物上，随着滴染的时间越长，靛蓝色彩层次越丰富越饱和。本系列会继续进行交互、重力和时间三大因素与染色之间的对话。

被染色的织物由岛精全自动针织机编织而成，分为两个部分：双面平纹布和无缝手套。手/手套作为《它染》系列中必不可少的符号，歌颂手工艺，讲述可以触摸的故事。《它染》中使用靛蓝染料及回收棉线。

技术支持：邵犁 

“Biennale of Nature Dyes”, at China Silk Museum, Hangzhou, China