CHISATO MATSUMOTO: The Universe Twinkling in White

Shanghai—Pearl Lam Galleries is pleased to present The Universe Twinkling in White, the first solo exhibition in China and with the gallery by Japanese artist Chisato Matsumoto curated by Miwa Kutsuna. Rooted in the shibori technique, a traditional Japanese method of tie-dyeing, Matsumoto’s practice transcends craft traditions, transforming fabric into sculptural forms that explore the tension between individuality and collectivity. This exhibition brings together large-scale textile installations, kinetic works, and illuminated sculptures that envelop viewers in immersive spatial experiences.

At the core of Matsumoto’s work is the interplay between the micro and the macro. She conceives each shibori knot as an independent entity—an “individual” within a larger system—mirroring the way people form societies or how stars cluster into galaxies. Through this lens, her work bridges human existence and the vast universe, revealing the interconnected energies that shape both.

Matsumoto’s process transforms fabric into dynamic, living forms, evoking the continuous cycle of creation and transformation. Each shibori grain—like a single star—accumulates into expansive constellations, reinforcing the fundamental unity of all things. In her hands, white fabric pulses with new life, becoming a conduit for universal forces. Though grounded in tradition, her work embodies an ever-expanding energy, echoing the rhythms of the Earth and the cosmos.

In Beyond the Stars (2021–2025), undulating fabric formations create a vast constellation, allowing visitors to walk beneath and experience the sensation of being both a singular presence and part of a collective whole. Hustle and Bustle (2025), inspired by the river networks of Shanghai, reflects the city’s ever-moving energy, with flowing blue light symbolizing the continuous pulse of life. Big Bang (2025) expands outward, embodying the formation of galaxies—an allegory for human societies where individuals assemble, disperse, and reform.

Through her sculptural explorations, Matsumoto reimagines fabric as a medium of profound connection, linking ancient techniques to contemporary expressions of existence. The Universe Twinkling in White invites viewers to step into a world where textiles transcend their materiality, resonating across time and space.