A new textile exhibition showcases the stories and skills of Afghan women by highlighting the ancient, but undervalued, art of suzani.
In one hoop, clasped hands hold a posy of pink, purple and yellow flowers. Another depicts a woman's hands outlined in a red stitch, her nails trimmed in pearl beading, and rings on her fingers.
Other works confront the current political context directly. "I chose to embroider my lips because Afghan women have always been forced to stay silent," says Sakina. "The things we feel inside, we can't express them in fear of being judged." One catalyst for the exhibition was a group visit to the National Gallery of Victoria's textile collections last year. The Social Studio's CEO, Dewi Cooke, recalls that one woman noticed familiar techniques in the items on display.
Suzani embroidery is usually done on a cotton or sometimes silk base, with silk or cotton thread for the designs.One woman was baffled at the interest in embroidery – why would anyone want to thread a needle when you can hold a pen? Others were reluctant for their daughters to spend time on a practice they associated with oppression.
"So most of the ladies now understand that it's not something they should be ashamed of, this skill. It's something that they really have to be proud of."
Afghan Embroidery Suzani Stories Embroidery The Social Studio Persian Needlework Needlework Suzani Central Asian Art Uzbekistan
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