Interdisciplinary artist Shirin Towfiq explores the stories and memories shared by her family while navigating the in-betweenness and uncertainty she feels as a second-generation Iranian refugee. Her work is inspired by Persian folk art, lore, and traditions which she reimagines through embroidery, patchwork, and digital prints on gauze.
Folk art and craft are deeply rooted in traditions frequently passed down through generations. Steeped in cultural heritage, the techniques and skills are a living record of the past and ways to share stories today. They are intimately bound to the home and daily life. Many communities that are dispersed around the globe have strong ties to their cultural, ethnic, and national roots. Through folk art and craft and its connection to the home, people are able to go beyond geographical boundaries and create a sense of comfort and belonging.
In the exhibition, Shirin Towfiq: Threaded Journeys, Towfiq weaves connections between the Persian folklore of the magic carpet and its ability to transport people with incredible speed to her experience as a second-generation Iranian refugee. She embeds her magic carpet with references to home and belonging; freedom and the feeling of being uprooted; and the intricacies of identities constructed around these journeys.
