Welcome to Paradise

At this moment the world is on a turning point and Woman Rights are under thread again. This means that we have to keep fighting for our rights, because they are not granted and can be easily taken away.

With this tapestry I am resisting myself and fighting for my rights. I am doing this by creating a safer space where stories and experiences can be shared. I use textile as a space for changing consciousness, resistance and the creation of community. Community is a very important aspect, because I believe together we can accomplish more then alone.

My mother taught me traditional textile skills such as sewing, crocheting, and knitting. My grandmother taught my mother, and my great-grandmother taught my grandmother. This transmission of knowledge highlights the close association of textile work with women, as it is often passed from mother to daughter and seen as “female work”. This also often happens in communities between women and I think it is important to still keep doing it. That is why I share my knowledge about textiles in workshops where I embroidery together with others.

Further, in my tapestry I use The Paradise as a metaphor. The Paradise is portrayed in traditional Persian carpets. The Paradise on these carpets is shown with a wall around it. The wall is there to protect it. However, I am questioning whether this wall around The Paradise is their to protect what is inside or to suppress what is inside?