Terumi Saito

Terumi Saito (b. 1993, Japan, lives and works in New York, NY) is a multidisciplinary artist working in fiber art and sculpture and is known for her backstrap weaving sculptures that utilize iconic jute ropes. Backstrap weaving, one of the earliest weaving techniques, has a rich history in Asia and Central and South America. Japan's history of Backstrap weaving dates to the Yayoi period (c. 300 BCE to 300 CE). Her unique approach combines traditional and ancient backstrap weaving techniques, the use of natural dyes and fibers, and a meticulous, labor-intensive weaving process. Saito's artistic endeavors are centered on a dual mission: preserving endangered traditional techniques and shedding new light on them through a contemporary lens. The labor-intensive and time-consuming process becomes the crucible for her ideas and artistic joy, resulting in a powerful body of work that represents a unique convergence of traditional techniques and contemporary artistic expression.

Saito's work has been exhibited at venues such as Mana Contemporary in Jersey City, New Jersey; Pier 36 NYC in New York; Cunard Building Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York; Mana Wynwood Convention Center in Miami, Florida; New York Textile Month in New York; Portland Textile Month in Portland, Oregon; Heimtextil in Frankfurt, Germany and featured in publications like Harper’s Bazaar UK, Interior Design Magazine, Alberto & Roy, Surface Design Journal, and New York Textile Month Talking Textiles Magazines. Her art has garnered recognition and acclaim, with Cunard Line in the United Kingdom and various private national and international collections. Saito has been an active participant in diverse art programs, including the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft Artist Residency in Houston, Texas; Vermont Studio Center Artist Residency in Johnson, Vermont; Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Snowmass Village, Colorado; Arquetopia International Artist Residency in Urubamba, Peru; and Art fairs such as Artexpo New York and Spectrum Miami in the United States.

齊藤輝美

静岡県生まれ。2016年多摩美術大学グラフィックデザイン学科卒業。2020年パーソンズ美術大学大学院テキスタイル専攻修士課程修了。日本、アメリカ、ペルー、グアテマラにて染織技術の研究調査を行い、腰機織りや草木染めなどの伝統技法を使った自身の作品を通して伝統的な手仕事のものづくりを伝えると共に伝統と異文化を融合した作品を創作している。現在はニューヨークを拠点にアーティスト、デザイナーとして多岐にわたる分野で制作活動に従事している。