Inspired by her time as an Artist-at-Sea aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s vessel, Falkor (too), Pei-Wen designed this piece to reflect the ocean’s textures and formations. Immersed in the sea’s vast expanse, she was deeply moved by its ever-changing beauty and the boundless possibilities it offered. Drawing on her expertise in modular geometric design, Pei-Wen created tangram-like puzzle patterns inspired by ocean waves, which can be assembled into various oceanic contours and marine life.
By repurposing second-hand Uniqlo clothing, she brought these patterns to life in a large-scale textile artwork. This piece captures the ocean’s fluidity and diversity, offering a glimpse of its hidden marine creatures and allowing wearers to connect with the ocean’s forms through their movements.
This piece was showcased at the Ocean Rising Fashion Show in Santa Monica in May 2024 and is currently on display at Uniqlo’s flagship store on Regent Street, London, throughout August and September 2024.
“During my time on the ship, my favorite activity was gazing at the endless sea, observing how the water’s texture transformed throughout the day. In one extraordinary moment, I was incredibly fortunate to witness sea turtles swimming leisurely, majestic whales, dancing dolphins, flocks of seagulls, and schools of tiny fish all joyfully gathering in the sea. This unique experience deeply moved me. I felt the ocean’s profound inclusivity, continuously and elastically reshaping itself to align with the world’s contours, embracing us with intricate gestures, and making us feel both free and expansive. In my heart, the ocean’s forms embody the essence of diversity and inclusion, representing a beautiful energy that nurtures all possibilities. The ocean is our home, a place where we find boundless potential and true belonging.”
In addition to the textile artwork mentioned above, Pei-Wen’s collaboration with RE.UNIQLO Studios also features 10 unique ocean-themed embroidery designs. These designs have just launched at 18 RE.UNIQLO Studios across the UK and major European cities as of August 2024, with Asia following later this autumn. These custom embroideries can add a personal touch to clothing, inspiring longevity through repair, refresh, or remake.
Click here to link to the Uniqlo Today press release