EM24: Spotlight on Attiya Javed
How are you finding the residency so far?
The residency has been an enriching experience, giving me the time and space to fully immerse myself in these themes. It has allowed me to dive deeper into exploring natural dyes and textile techniques, as well as providing an environment for creative experimentation. I’m able to refine my practice while also challenging myself to push these narratives further, both artistically and conceptually.
Tell me about the themes of your exhibit.
The primary themes of my exhibit revolve around family memory, identity, and migration. These deeply personal and cultural stories are expressed through the use of natural dyes and textile techniques, where each piece reflects aspects of my heritage and experiences. By creating small, narrative pieces and stitching them together, I explore the connections between personal history and the broader experience of migration, offering an intimate look at how these themes intertwine.
Have you always worked in textile?
While my work in this residency focuses on textile techniques, my broader artistic journey includes various forms of creative expression. That said, textiles offer a particularly tactile and intimate way of telling stories, and they have allowed me to physically stitch together fragmented memories and cultural experiences, making them a fitting medium for the themes I explore
What might a visitor gain from your exhibit?
A visitor may gain a deeper understanding of the personal and collective stories of migration and heritage. They can experience how traditional craftsmanship, such as textile work and natural dyeing, is reimagined in a contemporary context. Through the layering of narrative pieces, visitors are invited to engage with my journey, perhaps reflecting on their own stories of identity, memory, or belonging.
What is the message behind your work?
The message of my work centers on honoring the past while reimagining it in the present. It’s about how memory, migration, and identity are not static but ever-evolving. I aim to show that our individual stories are part of a larger, interconnected narrative, one that transcends time and borders, and can be continuously reinterpreted through art and craft.
Tell me more about the role of sustainability in your art.
Sustainability is central to my work, particularly through the use of natural dyes and hand embroidery in both my art and workshops. These techniques not only honor traditional craftsmanship but also reduce the environmental impact. Additionally, I make a conscious effort to use recycled and discarded materials, ensuring that my work is as eco-friendly as possible. By repurposing what might otherwise be waste, I aim to create art that is both meaningful and sustainable, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility while telling stories of identity and migration.
What do you hope to do with your art in the future?
In the future, I hope to continue expanding on the themes of family memory, identity, and migration, while further integrating sustainable practices into my art. I aim to explore new materials and techniques that align with both my creative vision and environmental values. Additionally, I want to engage more with communities through workshops, sharing the skills of natural dyeing and textile work, and encouraging others to tell their own stories through art. Ultimately, I hope to create larger, more collaborative projects that weave together diverse narratives and foster a deeper understanding of heritage and migration across cultures.
Interviewed by Charlotte Pimm-Smith.