Over the course of three days in October, students, craftspeople and researchers explored indigo from a variety of perspectives, as a methodological and pedagogical tool to surpass borders based on territorial, temporal and disciplinary categories in higher education. This methodology workshop, organised by the Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA) in association with HaB and IIAS, included field visits and hands-on exercises that contextualised the discussions that took place and provided a truly immersive experience.
By Cheryl Jacob
Day 1: Field Visits
The workshop officially kicked off on the 25th with a field visit to Zhuo Ye Cottage, a family-run homestay and indigo studio in Sanyi, Miaoli county, a three-hour drive from Taipei. The participants were guided by Mr Tzu-Lo Cho, second-generation owner of Zhuo Cottage and an artist who works with indigo and batik techniques.
This was followed by a wonderful vegetarian meal at the homestay's restaurant, after which the participants set off to the next location, the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute. In addition to interacting with experts at the weaving and dyeing workshop, the participants visited the natural colour farm.