Guest Artist: Hong Yan 鸿雁 (Fabric Artist/Weaver)

Hong Yan is an internationally recognized artist from Xishuangbanna. Her work explores different weaving traditions throughout the Mekong Basin. Traditional weaving in the region relies on its materiality, and the fabrics for weaving are strongly bound to an applied understanding of the ecological health of each environment they derive from. Traditional weaving relies on natural plant dyes, silk, and cotton, all of which are sourced from their locality. The region’s textiles are well known for their deep symbolic meanings, showing the beliefs, identity, and symbiotic relationship that the local communities have with the ecosystem. As both the environment and traditional forms of living that depend on a healthy ecosystem are rapidly transforming, Hong Yan’s work goes beyond a theoretical understanding of this artform and shows how environmental and cultural preservation are interwoven into the tapestry of traditional clothing and livelihoods. 

Time & Location

March 20th, Friday, 2026

10:30 – 12:00 | Library Lobby & LIB 2001

Exhibition Opening & Panel Discussion with Hong Yan

14:00 – 15:30 | AB Executive Dining

Natural Dyeing Workshop *Limited Seats

Registration: https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9pn3DqhGby4rciy

(March 21st – April 3rd, 2026 Ongoing Exhibition)