Immersion Culturelle

Last week was the intensive week about French culture and the language. It's the perfect class for all the exchange students and the international students at ENSCI. It consists 13 of us- just the right amount. The topics covered in class are very diverse; most importantly, it's all in French. Sometimes I'm at the top of my learning curve; yet sometimes I'm not even in the loop. Overall, I finally am making some progress. Besides, it's great to know more about the country I'm living in- Paris is amazing!!! But by the end of the week, I'm simply relieved that I can have some peace of mind.

This image is from my journal a while ago, I think it totally tells my story here in Paris.

- What is it? May I have it?

- It depends. My dear.

/

- Qu'est que c'est? Je peux l'avoir? 

- ça dépend. Ma chérie.

Collecting

One of the world's biggest collector goes to--- the museum! Because they are such maniac collector, we get the chance to look from past to present. I went to British Museum Africa room with Dr. Clare Rose in the previous term. She pointed out that the way they display each of their collection is thoughtfully designed. Either it's sorted by subject or theme or era. Objects/images are there in specific spots for a reason. They are there to inform you about the function, the story behind it, or simply help you to form an impression.
It's critical to judge if this is the "right" thing to do. For say, the sacred tomb stone from a tribe in Africa is placed in the corner of an "Africa room", where most of the viewers don't truly understand the significance of it while browsing through. On the other hand, without this platform, people don't have the opportunity to learn about different culture around the world. Besides, the acquisitions are taken care by trained specialist and scholars.

Usually I take in what I saw without questioning it. But, once I come to think of it, I edit the display of my work all the time. For example, my reflective journal. I collect all sorts of stuff: fabric swatches, tickets, flyers, notes, buttons, stickers... etc. Then I put them into my journal according to the relevance and aesthetics. (Blog goes hand in hand with this theory)
This is my third RJ. I find it so much fun and memorable, and that's what matters the most. : )

Inspired by trade between east and west in 1600

India used to produced the world's most exquisite and luxurious textiles. With cotton and cashmere, Indians used to call the shot in trading with the West. It has changed for a very long time. Most of the fabric shops in London are run by the Indians, but there are not one single Indian (Indian-British or Indian) in my year. Is it not a promising/desired career for them at all? I guess what they have seen back home in the factories made them intuitively want to pursue another career path. Such as, engineering or business.
Is it the same in Taiwan? We used to have a strong textile manufacture business, when land and labor cost much less than today. Therefore, people in general have an impression that who works for textile works in a factory. Which is not completely wrong, cause that is where the production takes place. But where is the room for textile designer? Studio concept in Taiwan isn't as established as it is here in London, where the market is bigger to sustain the business. However, most importantly, people respect your profession.
From my internship experience in a textile factory and an aboriginal textile workshop in the mountains back home last summer, I know that textile design is definitely one of the businesses that is suffering from the national development. But when the government and corporations are eager to "develop" our country, they forget/ignore that these cultural legacy can give a soft and beautiful side to Taiwan's identity.
I just saw a talk show on a Taiwanese TV programme by Mr.Wei-chung Wang(王偉忠) interviewing Ms. Wen-chien Chen (陳文茜) the other day. They were talking about setting up a better environment for the younger generation. This is a commitment that needs to be made by both generations. Hopefully one day, I can bring something back home.

Indian textile merchant, c1800, British Library