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Su Embroidery artist brings new materials, techniques to traditional craft

Zhang Xue, a new-generation Su Embroidery artist from eastern China's Jiangsu Province, has breathed a new life into the ancient craft by adopting new materials and techniques .

With a history of over 2,000 years, Su embroidery is one of China's four renowned embroidery styles. However, young artists like Zhang explore new expressions through traditional art.

"As our lifestyles evolve, we must redefine Su embroidery's relevance. I have proposed a project dubbed 'The Possibility Experiment of Su Embroidery' as a means to explore its contemporary contributions," Zang said.

In one of Zhang's innovative works, he created three-dimensional petals and butterfly wings on the canvas that can move gently when touched or approached, showing a motive scene rarely seen in previous Su embroideries.

The frame of the liveliness is made of shape memory alloys, a new type of material that allows them to transform and return to their original shape as the temperature changes.

Zhang said it took effort to incorporate the material into the artwork.

"For movement to occur, technical prerequisites such as fabric heat resistance, trigger sensitivity, and speed variance must all align. Overcoming these challenges offers a sense of clarity and openness," he said.

Zhang also embarked on an elaborate project called "Starry Sky," utilizing 24 different stitching techniques to depict galaxies and other cosmic systems. After eight months, his vision was realized.

"By using different techniques, the decorative effect is stronger, the luster is better, and it resembles the feeling of planetary orbits," Zhang said.

In addition to his works, Zhang also uses new media to promote his art. He has incorporated his works into movies, games, and merchandise and shared them on social media, attracting many young followers.

"I saw teacher Zhang's videos on Weibo and other platforms and was immediately impressed. I didn't realize Suzhou embroidery could be expressed in this way. I especially love traditional Chinese culture, and the combination of craftsmanship and modern innovation really appeals to me," said Shen Liyu, a Su Embroidery practitioner.

"There are about five or six young people here in our studio, all in their twenties and thirties. They are recent college graduates or have been graduated for a while," said Zhu Yayun, another Su Embroidery practitioner.

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