LONDON CRAFT WEEK: TOGETHER IN TATREEZ
In preparation for the start of London Craft Week 2023 on 8 May, an eagerly anticipated date in every craft admirers diary, over the next seven days we will be bringing you a selection of our hand picked textile treasures from this years programme. And whilst this is only a small number of inspired events not to be missed, hopefully this will entice you into the diverse array of discoveries awaiting you this week in London.
London Craft Week once again returns with an extensive programme, offering a wealth of exhibits, talks and workshops that will undoubtably stimulate compelling conversation and create lasting memories, all centred around the celebration of exquisite craft. Taking place in leading galleries, venues and art institutions across the city of London between the 8-14 May. This is a week brimming at the seams with carefully crafted material moments for you to enjoy.
From paying homage and sharing knowledge of rich heritage craft, to new makers opening our minds to possibilities we never imagined, London Craft Week never fails to reveal textiles as anything less than remarkable. Not only showcasing British craft but presenting a diverse collection of the most outstanding craftsmanship from across the world.
In its ninth edition this years lineup will feature four international pavilions from South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia and Austria. Whilst aligned with celebrations of the Kings Coronation, homage will be paid to traditions of the Royal Patronage and the rich plethora of craftspeople defining British craft today. Following the designers passing in December 2022, the House of Vivienne Westwood have delved into their archive to present a display of corsets, a display to honour the incredible service by Westwood to the world of craft.
Following last years post pandemic urge highlighting the need for physical experience, the programme is enriched with a significant collection of live and participatory experiences to build personal and meaningful connections through craft, to be enjoyed by all.
Together in Tatreez
It was in May 2021 when Dina Asfour, Lizzy Vartanain and Yomn Al- Kaisi were first acquainted, at P21 Gallery in London, a centre for Arab art and culture. Whilst attending an embroidery workshop they formed an instant bond, conversation continued and shortly after they began to meet each month. Sit together, enjoy a cup of arabic coffee and embroider. Sharing skills and stories they were crafting a sacred space that made them wonder “Wouldn't it be lovely if other people could be a part of this too?” And thus the Tatreez Collective was born.
This May as part of London Craft Week the collective will deliver a very special workshop. Hosted by ISHKAR, who work with partners from isolated countries to promote craftsmanship and heritage, Tatreez translates to embroidery in Arabic and specifically references the art of cross-stitch. Its tools are modest: a needle, thread and the aida cloth. Traditionally pearl cotton DMC thread would be used along with the aida cloth, a thick open weave fabric allowing for the embroiderer to stitch without the use of a hoop.
What it requires of the embroiderer is both resilience and concentration in equal measure. An ability to sit with the cloth as slowly the pattern develops, and a work of art evolves. It is an art that too has evolved through time. In 1948 with the displacement of Palestinians this decorative craft became significant in honouring collective identity. As public displays of the Palestinian flag were made illegal, women would carefully stitch the flag into textile as an act of peaceful resistance.
An act of solidarity. An act of preservation. For the Tatreez Collective they view their practice as a form of documentation of Palestinian history. “It's a different way to talk about Palestine. Often we talk about Palestine in the context of human rights and violations, political as it should be, but trauma-laden. This is another way for us to talk about what it means to be Palestinian. Through the joy and through the beauty of the embroidery.” says Yomn.
There is an extensive ‘library’ of motifs that form the decorative patterns, a visual language that is rich in colour and detail. But each motif represents a pertinent piece of Palestine history. Visual metaphors perhaps. During the workshop Dina, Yomn and Lizzy will introduce participants to a selection of the most common motifs and their symbolism. Such as the star of Bethlehem, a symbol of generosity. They firmly believe that this is an art form that should remain rooted within its cultural context. And that participants will leave having not only learnt new skills in stitching, created a beautiful textile to take home and treasure, but with a greater understanding of its authentic connection.
There is an openness and receptivity at the heart of what the collective do. Inclusive of all, they invite those who have never picked up a needle in their lives to the most skilled stitcher. This accessibility is felt through their own personal story in learning this craft. Lizzy, Dina and Yomn all represent a mix of Middle Eastern heritage. And the art of tatreez has entered their lives in very different ways.
Lizzy is of Lebanese and Armenian heritage, she is a fourth generation embroiderer. In 2019 whilst on residency in Jordan she witnessed groups of women in small villages gather together each day and embroider. A truly mesmerising experience that has remained with her since. Dina is half Palestinian half Spanish, she was not raised stitching beside her Mother, but rather found the technique through online teaching during the pandemic. “ I cooked Palestinian food, listened to Palestinian music but felt something was missing.” she says. And for Yomn, half Palestinian half Iraqi, her journey to finding tatreez is most recent. Learning most of her skills from her fellow Dina. But the textiles of Palestine have held a strong presence throughout her life. On the Throbes worn by herself and other women on Eid and other celebratory occasions. Or on the cushions inherited from her Grandmother. The patterns have always felt so deeply imprinted within her identity.
For each of them tatreez has been instrumental in retaining and building connection, both individually and collectively. “It's kind of a way of connecting to a place we can’t physically be right now” says Lizzy. Through these workshops they are building a community, a community that transcends borders and preserves Palestine beyond. In a digital age, the role of technology has undoubtedly been key in facilitating this. The women explain that the work they are doing has been recognised and admired by embroiderers as far as America.
Inspiring the initiation of similar collectives in California, Chicago and New York. As this art gains global visibility the collective hope that we all will soon share a picture of Palestine in all its intricate beauty.
And for the participants of their workshop at London Craft Week, they will not only see, but will feel and experience the threads that stitch this identity together.
The workshop will take place on the 10 May from 18:15 - 20:30 BST (British Summer Time, London UK) at Goldfinger Factory.
Book your place on the London Craft Week website here.
Images courtesy of the Tatreez Collective
Guest edited by Katerina Knight
London Craft Week once again returns with an extensive programme, offering a wealth of exhibits, talks and workshops that will undoubtably stimulate compelling conversation and create lasting memories, all centred around the celebration of exquisite craft. Taking place in leading galleries, venues and art institutions across the city of London between the 8-14 May. This is a week brimming at the seams with carefully crafted material moments for you to enjoy.
From paying homage and sharing knowledge of rich heritage craft, to new makers opening our minds to possibilities we never imagined, London Craft Week never fails to reveal textiles as anything less than remarkable. Not only showcasing British craft but presenting a diverse collection of the most outstanding craftsmanship from across the world.
In its ninth edition this years lineup will feature four international pavilions from South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia and Austria. Whilst aligned with celebrations of the Kings Coronation, homage will be paid to traditions of the Royal Patronage and the rich plethora of craftspeople defining British craft today. Following the designers passing in December 2022, the House of Vivienne Westwood have delved into their archive to present a display of corsets, a display to honour the incredible service by Westwood to the world of craft.
Following last years post pandemic urge highlighting the need for physical experience, the programme is enriched with a significant collection of live and participatory experiences to build personal and meaningful connections through craft, to be enjoyed by all.
Together in Tatreez
It was in May 2021 when Dina Asfour, Lizzy Vartanain and Yomn Al- Kaisi were first acquainted, at P21 Gallery in London, a centre for Arab art and culture. Whilst attending an embroidery workshop they formed an instant bond, conversation continued and shortly after they began to meet each month. Sit together, enjoy a cup of arabic coffee and embroider. Sharing skills and stories they were crafting a sacred space that made them wonder “Wouldn't it be lovely if other people could be a part of this too?” And thus the Tatreez Collective was born.
This May as part of London Craft Week the collective will deliver a very special workshop. Hosted by ISHKAR, who work with partners from isolated countries to promote craftsmanship and heritage, Tatreez translates to embroidery in Arabic and specifically references the art of cross-stitch. Its tools are modest: a needle, thread and the aida cloth. Traditionally pearl cotton DMC thread would be used along with the aida cloth, a thick open weave fabric allowing for the embroiderer to stitch without the use of a hoop.
What it requires of the embroiderer is both resilience and concentration in equal measure. An ability to sit with the cloth as slowly the pattern develops, and a work of art evolves. It is an art that too has evolved through time. In 1948 with the displacement of Palestinians this decorative craft became significant in honouring collective identity. As public displays of the Palestinian flag were made illegal, women would carefully stitch the flag into textile as an act of peaceful resistance.
An act of solidarity. An act of preservation. For the Tatreez Collective they view their practice as a form of documentation of Palestinian history. “It's a different way to talk about Palestine. Often we talk about Palestine in the context of human rights and violations, political as it should be, but trauma-laden. This is another way for us to talk about what it means to be Palestinian. Through the joy and through the beauty of the embroidery.” says Yomn.
There is an extensive ‘library’ of motifs that form the decorative patterns, a visual language that is rich in colour and detail. But each motif represents a pertinent piece of Palestine history. Visual metaphors perhaps. During the workshop Dina, Yomn and Lizzy will introduce participants to a selection of the most common motifs and their symbolism. Such as the star of Bethlehem, a symbol of generosity. They firmly believe that this is an art form that should remain rooted within its cultural context. And that participants will leave having not only learnt new skills in stitching, created a beautiful textile to take home and treasure, but with a greater understanding of its authentic connection.
There is an openness and receptivity at the heart of what the collective do. Inclusive of all, they invite those who have never picked up a needle in their lives to the most skilled stitcher. This accessibility is felt through their own personal story in learning this craft. Lizzy, Dina and Yomn all represent a mix of Middle Eastern heritage. And the art of tatreez has entered their lives in very different ways.
Lizzy is of Lebanese and Armenian heritage, she is a fourth generation embroiderer. In 2019 whilst on residency in Jordan she witnessed groups of women in small villages gather together each day and embroider. A truly mesmerising experience that has remained with her since. Dina is half Palestinian half Spanish, she was not raised stitching beside her Mother, but rather found the technique through online teaching during the pandemic. “ I cooked Palestinian food, listened to Palestinian music but felt something was missing.” she says. And for Yomn, half Palestinian half Iraqi, her journey to finding tatreez is most recent. Learning most of her skills from her fellow Dina. But the textiles of Palestine have held a strong presence throughout her life. On the Throbes worn by herself and other women on Eid and other celebratory occasions. Or on the cushions inherited from her Grandmother. The patterns have always felt so deeply imprinted within her identity.
For each of them tatreez has been instrumental in retaining and building connection, both individually and collectively. “It's kind of a way of connecting to a place we can’t physically be right now” says Lizzy. Through these workshops they are building a community, a community that transcends borders and preserves Palestine beyond. In a digital age, the role of technology has undoubtedly been key in facilitating this. The women explain that the work they are doing has been recognised and admired by embroiderers as far as America.
Inspiring the initiation of similar collectives in California, Chicago and New York. As this art gains global visibility the collective hope that we all will soon share a picture of Palestine in all its intricate beauty.
And for the participants of their workshop at London Craft Week, they will not only see, but will feel and experience the threads that stitch this identity together.
The workshop will take place on the 10 May from 18:15 - 20:30 BST (British Summer Time, London UK) at Goldfinger Factory.
Book your place on the London Craft Week website here.
Images courtesy of the Tatreez Collective
Guest edited by Katerina Knight