Request for Participation in Curtain Production for Temporary Housing in Suzu City, Ishikawa Prefecture

Dear Sir/Madam,

I apologize for the sudden message.

I am reaching out to ask for your cooperation in producing curtains for 90 units of temporary housing currently under construction in Suzu City, one of the areas affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake. In collaboration with architect Shigeru Ban, I will be creating and installing these curtains as part of my artwork, free of charge.

Specifically, the process involves sewing curtains using fabric or scraps you may have on hand. Once the curtains are sewn, small motifs from my artwork will be added through embroidery or appliqué in one to three places. The curtains will be simple flat panels without pleats. Participants can contribute in various ways—by sewing the curtains, donating fabric, or embroidering the small artwork details. Any form of support would be greatly appreciated. For those new to sewing, I will provide simple instructions. Upon completion, I would like to include a small acknowledgment of each contributor’s name.

The construction of these temporary housing units, located near Mitsukejima in Suzu City, began on March 1. The buildings are being assembled using an LDT timber construction method that does not require adhesives. The plan is to complete 30 units before the early May holiday and the remaining 60 units by the end of June. The curtains need to be ready by this construction schedule.

The inspiration for my artwork comes from my ongoing research on old war poems from Ukraine, contemporary poetry from the forests of the Balkan Peninsula, and the experiences of displaced people. I reflect on distant, unfamiliar places where people and things are constantly moving, living, and dying. I am currently compiling sketches that seek to turn poetry into something tangible.

Many of the women in Suzu City who have previously collaborated with me on textile projects were also affected by the earthquake. Despite living in shelters or homes without restored infrastructure, they have decided to participate in this project, which has given me renewed energy and motivation. Though time is short, I envision these curtains swaying in the early summer breeze of Noto. I sincerely hope that sewing enthusiasts from across the country will lend their support and join us in this endeavor.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

March 1, 2024
Koma, Saitama Prefecture
Tomoko Konoike