Textile, Virtual Fruit

Virtual Fruit (2003) achieves a sense of movement through the randomization of pattern over extended lengths. The subtle tonal gradation and sense of transparency showcased in this textile typify the delicate aesthetic of Hitoshi Ujiie’s work, which is only possible with inkjet technology. While it is theoretically possible to print millions of colors with a four-color printing process, Ujiie uses inkjet technology to create precise, layered, dimensional effects and refined color blending. Ujiie is a textile designer, educator, and founder of the Center for Excellence of Digital Inkjet Printing at Philadelphia University. Ujiie’s work is an exploration of the aesthetic implications of digital inkjet printing for textiles, a technology bringing about profound changes in the approach to design for this medium. Ujiie exploits the full range of effects that can be achieved through digital technology by combining hand manipulation with photographic and video source material. Digital technology permits a fineness of line not previously possible due to the higher resolution of inkjet printing in comparison to screen technology. Digital inkjet printing also eliminates the need for repeats, allowing Ujiie to explore textile designs unconstrained by the convention of repetition.