Towering needle sculptures, dancers entwined in vivid red threads, and a breathtaking underwater film—welcome to “Needle Dance”, the latest artistic marvel by American-Japanese interdisciplinary artist Makiko Harris. Running from February 17 to March 2 at art’otel London Hoxton, this ambitious multimedia exhibition and film dive deep into fate, feminism, and the threads that bind us.
Collaborating with luminaries such as director Peter Gray, couture designer Deborah Milner, and composer Carlos Basilisco, Harris delivers a sensory experience that redefines the intersection of mythology and modern identity.
Why Needle Dance Deserves Your Attention
Art meets innovation in “Needle Dance,” where the underwater medium becomes a metaphor for the fluid tension between autonomy and connection. Inspired by the Japanese myth of the red thread of fate, Harris uses water as her cinematic stage, blending poetic movements with monumental needle sculptures. These installations challenge traditional perceptions of “women’s work” by transforming domestic tools into emblems of feminist power.
Harris’s artistic journey has been meteoric. From her debut film premiere at Tate Modern to prestigious awards like The HIGH Prize for Excellence, she has quickly carved out her place in the international art scene. “Needle Dance” marks her second solo exhibition, solidifying her reputation as a fearless innovator.
The Film: Submerged in Symbolism
At the core of the exhibition is a five-minute underwater film featuring dancers entwined in red ropes, symbolizing the mythological threads of fate. The water amplifies this dynamic, creating a dreamlike yet laborious choreography that mirrors the balance between destiny and self-determination.
“The underwater setting is both a struggle and liberation,” Harris explains. “It’s like navigating unseen currents, where every graceful move requires effort.”
Towering Sculptures: Reimagining Feminist Symbols
Harris’s needle sculptures—up to two meters tall—dominate the gallery space, flipping traditional associations with sewing on their head. These monumental works draw inspiration from her grandmother’s sewing kit, embracing textile arts as a feminist legacy.
“I wanted to reclaim the needle,” Harris says. “Historically overshadowed by the pen, it becomes powerful when enlarged to the size of a weapon. It’s about mending, confronting, and ultimately finding strength in vulnerability.”
The sculptures echo the influence of feminist art pioneers like Judy Chicago and Louise Bourgeois, merging fragility with defiance.
Feminism and the Red Thread of Fate
At its heart, “Needle Dance” explores the timeless tension between fate and autonomy. The red thread of fate suggests an inescapable connection between people, yet Harris pushes back against the confines of inherited roles.
“Can we honour tradition while forging our own paths?” Harris asks. Her work challenges societal norms, encouraging audiences to embrace both independence and connection.
Exhibition Highlights at art’otel Hoxton
The exhibition is split between the art’otel cinema, showcasing the continuous loop of “Needle Dance” alongside behind-the-scenes footage, and a gallery space housing Harris’s needle sculptures and Milner’s costumes. Visitors can immerse themselves in every aspect of this multidisciplinary masterpiece. Key Details:
Dates: February 17 – March 2
Venue: art’otel London Hoxton
Don’t Miss the Feminist Revolution Underwater
“Needle Dance” isn’t just an art exhibition—it’s a call to reimagine tradition, feminism, and the connections that define us. With its bold visuals, powerful symbolism, and thought-provoking themes, this is one Hoxton event you won’t want to miss.
