Artist Profiles

Artist:

Bounkhong Signavong

Region:

East Asia and the Pacific

Country:

Lao PDR

Media/General:

Textiles

Medium of Work:

Silk and cotton Lao loom woven clothing and accessories

Year(s) Attended:

Santa Fe: 2017, 2018, 2019

About:

Bounkhong Signavong’s textiles are made from silk and cotton and are naturally dyed using plants native to Southeast Asia. He says of his work, “In collaboration with master weavers who can revive centuries-old traditions, I create contemporary textiles with firm roots in Lao styles and weaving traditions. The motifs in my textiles have been influenced by the spiritual power of Buddhism. My work includes a diverse assortment of pieces to echo the cultural heritage of South East Asia. All pieces are made from silk and/or cotton, naturally dyed and hand-woven on a traditional loom. My products include one-of-a-kind fashion items, like dresses, jackets and shirts, giving new life to vintage textiles by repurposing and integrating them into uniquely designed formal and every-day clothing. Contemporary art-to-wear combines traditional Asian and Western styles.”

He has travelled throughout Lao PDR and connected with artists in small villages, where they shared their knowledge of spinning and dyeing yarns and weaving textiles.

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