Eating Color by The Alchemy of Dyeing
April 2023
The Alchemy of Dyeing introduced participants to a rainbow of unexpected colours that exist within the pantry. They were able to further their knowledge of colour extraction, not only to be used on food but to create inks and dyes for textiles. The Alchemy of Dyeing emphasised the idea that one must show respect to a natural dye by allowing it to show up as the colour it intends to be. Kevin Jones then led a discussion and a series of writing exercises that explored reflection on colour extraction, colour transitions and moving away from prescribed meanings assigned to colours. Allowing participants to have full autonomy over what a colour means to them.
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About The Alchemy of Dyeing
The Alchemy of Dyeing (2020-2023) is a research platform conceived by fashion designer Mehru Khan and artist Nahla Tabbaa that dives into the alchemy of colour making, urban foraging, textile dyeing, chromophobia, taste making and other complexities around organic dyeing. Combining methods of the Old World and adapting it to the site specific context of today’s fast-paced urban world, the workshops and research conducted encourage the idea of working at a slower pace, connecting with materials, nature and colour. While the workshops are no longer active, Mehru and Nahla have done extensive research into natural dyeing in the UAE, have collaborated with entities including the Irthi Crafts Council, Al Hosn Heritage Festival and the Jameel Arts Centre. This form of experimenting has seeped into their own personal practices which you can view in their own platforms.