Fiber Futures: Japan's Textile Pioneers September 16–December 18, 2011

Fiber Futures: Japan's Textile Pioneers showcases the dynamic field of Japanese fiber art. Organized as a juried show jointly presented by Japan Society and International Textile Network Japan in collaboration with Tama University Art Museum, the works on display range from ethereal silk and hemp to paper pulp and synthetic fiber using methods that are sometimes deeply traditional, but sometimes employ the latest weaving and dyeing technology along with an environmentally conscious "green" ethos. Moving far beyond traditional utility, Japan's textile pioneers fuse past and present to create innovative, beautiful and sometimes challenging works of art.

http://www.japansociety.org/gallery

Defensible Dress

From the designer, Meejin Yoon of Howeler Yoon Architects:

The Defensible Dress is a response to the increasing breakdown and encroachment on personal space in everyday life. Historically, each culture and generation has had varying definitions of personal boundaries.
Globalization and the urban condition have diminished an understanding of, and respect for, such space. Personal space is increasingly challenged and violated by external pressures. Inspired by the porcupine and the blowfish, the Defensible Dress makes the wearer's personal space by activating a space-defining physical projection around the body. The extents of the personal space zone are defined as a numerical distance by the dress wearer. When infrared sensors detect an approaching body entering the personal space zone, a series of mechanical quills are activated, bristling to prevent encroachment.