In cooperation with the Austrian Cultural Forum Washington (ACF DC), the Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC) is dedicating a special event series to the world of indigo. Bringing together artworks, film, and craft, the program explores how this remarkable color is perceived and preserved in both Japan and Austria, highlighting the cultural ties between the two countries.
PROGRAM
SEPTEMBER 26 – OCTOBER 10, 2025 | INDIGO – BLAUDRUCK EXHIBITION
Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM at JICC
The exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to view indigo-dyed textiles, including rare and historic pieces as well as contemporary works. It highlights a collection of innovative denim kimonos from Japan, courtesy of Rakugo star and denim aficionado Katsura Sunshine, as well as objects from Austrian master craftsman Josef Koó, whose family business in Burgenland is among the last in Europe still preserving this centuries-old tradition.
SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 | 2:30 – 4:30 PM | INDIGO DYEING WORKSHOP
In this workshop participants will learn about the production and history of indigo in Japan and dye their own handkerchiefs using shibori-zome (tie-dyeing) techniques. To register use the code: Indigo-Austria
SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 | 7:00 – 8:30 PM | FILM SCREENING & DIRECTOR'S TALK
The short film A Color I Named Blue is a documentary by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Sybilla Patrizia, an Austrian artist based in Tokyo who is part of the Calliope - join the dots Network. The film portrays two Japanese artisans and their quest for the perfect shade of indigo, weaving together themes of tradition, craft, and the human search for beauty.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Josef Koó
Josef Koó represents one of the last indigo printing workshops in Europe. His family business continues the meticulous and time-intensive craft of blue printing, using wooden printing blocks that are in some cases over 200 years old. His speciality is making double-sided prints showing a different pattern on each side. In 2010, this tradition was inscribed on Austria’s National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Sybilla Patrizia
Sybilla Patrizia is an Austrian filmmaker and photographer based in Tokyo. Her work bridges documentary, art, and design, with a focus on human stories and social impact. In 2023, she won a News&Documentary Emmy for her work with VICE, and her films have been presented at leading festivals such as Sheffield DocFest, Palm Springs and DC/DOX. She is also part of Calliope – join the dots, an initiative of the Austrian Ministry for European and International Affairs.
ABOUT THE FILM
Title: A Color I Named Blue
Genre: Documentary
Year: 2024
Length: 16 min
Country of Origin: Japan
Language: Japanese with English subtitles
Director & Producer: Sybilla Patrizia
Images/Video © A Color I Named Blue, Sybilla Patrizia
ABOUT BLAUDRUCK
Image 1: © Susanne Bisovsky 2018, Fotography Bernd Preiml
Images 2-5: © Josef Koó
Video © Josef Koó, Original Indigo Blaudruck
ABOUT CALLIOPE - JOIN THE DOTS
Calliope – join the dots is a cultural initiative launched by the Austrian Ministry for European and International Affairs in cooperation with the Women’s Museum Hittisau. Named after the muse of eloquence in Greek mythology, it highlights the achievements of Austrian women in fields such as art, culture, science, and society. Through its international platform, website, and traveling exhibitions, Calliope presents their ideas and accomplishments worldwide, promoting equality and updating Austria’s cultural image abroad.