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| if speech is silver... (body wrap) . 2019 |
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| if speech is silver... (sarong) . 2019 |
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| if speech is silver... (shirt) . 2019 |
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| if speech is silver... (mask) . 2020 |
hello november – this strange year is almost coming to a close. hopefully, no more surprises until then...
i'm happy to announce my textile series 'if speech is silver...' will be exhibited once again some time early next year. for those that missed the exhibition and post about this particular textile series, check out last year's post here. in addition to the 3 textile pieces created last year (body wrap, sarong and shirt), i was commissioned to create an additional textile piece for next year's exhibition. keeping with the theme of talismanic textiles, i created a face mask, inspired by the traditional face covering worn around the middle east, commonly known as a 'burqa' or 'battulah'. and just like the previous pieces, i incorporated letters from an ancient script that was among the many languages preceding arabic, titled 'dadanitic' – commonly used in regions around today's saudi arabia. here's a short description about the new edition to the collection:
the tradition of face coverings and wearing masks in the region is deeply prominent, rooted in the region’s history and culture. concealing one’s face happens for various reasons, be it religious, a form of modesty, or protection from various factors including weather. even though covering one’s face in the region is commonly practised amongst women, there are some instances where men cover their face as well.
by adorning the battulah with select letters from the dadanitic script that reference talismanic symbols, the mask will carry properties that protect the wearer when worn. can a mask with symbolic protective powers serve a purpose in today’s world? looking back at 2020, covering one’s face has become extremely prevalent, with mandatory mask wearing a common practise in most parts of the world. there is a sense of pertinence to reviving age-old traditions of wearing talismanic garments for these uncertain times – protection is both a physical and intangible force.
i'm really happy with how the mask turned out. it really does feel talismanic with its combination of patterns, motifs and symbols, pigments and dyes, embroidery and fringe – all carrying talismanic properties based on textile traditions.
stay tuned for a future post announcing the exhibition details. until then, enjoy looking at the complete 'if speech is silver...' collection. this is the first time i photographed my textile works prior to sending them off to exhibit – usually i photograph my works at the show. i have to thank my buddy azim for all his help in assisting with the setup and photography. i should definitely invest more time in photographing future textile works, and maybe invest in a textile display stand!