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# Project Description Knitting the Past: Cultural Memory and Shaman Xuanyu Fan Summary Final work I’m a textile-focused fashion and knitting designer, currently working for Chinese brand RèShuǐ to redefine knit techniques through contemporary design.Merging material innovation with artistic vision, I create tactile, sculptural pieces inspired by healing arts, soft sculpture, and ethnic traditions—crafting emotional narratives that challenge fashion’s boundaries. I’m a textile-focused fashion and knitting designer, currently working for Chinese brand RèShuǐ t... College Central Saint Martins Course BA (Hons) Textile Design Graduation year 2025 This project reinterprets the cultural significance of traditional folk toys through the lens of knitting art, infused with shamanic spirituality. Inspired by the animistic worldview of shamanism, each knitted creation embodies living energy and sacred connection, serving as a bridge between humans, nature and the spiritual realm. Final work Cultural Memory and Shaman Ritual Coarse linen weaving forms a primitive, wild silhouette, with intentionally frayed edges and irregular stitches mimicking organic growth. The hand-stitched leather mask is adorned with bells and colorful cords, while the unruly wig blends undyed linen and horsehair. When in motion, hidden copper bells emit deep vibrations, and shells and wooden beads dangling from the hem create rhythmic collisions—the entire costume functions both as wearable tribal art and a medium for awakening ancient shamanic rituals. Through rugged material contrasts and vibrant details, it transforms nomadic aesthetics into contemporary ceremonial attire. Shamanic Talisman:Knitted Spirit Cat This handcrafted amigurumi cat merges shamanic symbolism with contemporary fiber art. Its soft, organic cotton form is imbued with ritual elements—tiny bells and herb sachets hidden within produce soothing chimes when moved. Pampas glass knitting Pampas glass and yak yarn intertwine in this transformable shamanic set. Detachable grid modules morph between wearable amulets and ritual objects, their rattling seed pods whispering with movement. A nomadic fusion of structure and spirit. Nuo Opera Soft Sculpture This twin set of shamanic textile figures explores duality through scale - one towering, one compact - using undyed linen yarn, cotton thread, and cashmere blends. Machine knitting constructs their voluminous bases, while hand-crocheted details and embroidered sigils channel Nuo mask symbolism. Research and process View Gallery View Gallery View Gallery The collection This raw, unretouched images capture the true textures and colors of each piece - rough linen weaves, undyed fiber variations, and organic material imperfections are preserved exactly as they exist in physical form. The concrete backdrop and incidental shadows emphasize the work's connection to handmade processes. Share this project This project reinterprets the cultural significance of traditional folk toys through the lens of knitting art, infused with shamanic spirituality. Inspired by the animistic worldview of shamanism, each knitted creation embodies living energy and sacred connection, serving as a... A link to this page has been added to your clipboard
# Links ## Official page - https://ualshowcase.arts.ac.uk/project/651994/cover ## External - https://www.instagram.com/dawnufan - tel:+44 7427121166 - mailto:s1804747786@163.com - https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fualshowcase.arts.ac.uk%2Fproject%2F651994%2Fcover&text=Knitting+the+Past%3A+Cultural+Memory+and+Shaman - https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fualshowcase.arts.ac.uk%2Fproject%2F651994%2Fcover&media=https%3A%2F%2Fportfolio-tools.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F06%2F18153544%2FIMG_5922.jpeg&description=Knitting+the+Past%3A+Cultural+Memory+and+Shaman