Join us for a hands-on creative workshop to create a beautiful embroidered Palestinian flag motif on a tote bag using the traditional Palestinian Tatreez technique. This workshop is being delivered to support the upcoming 'Art of the Palestinian Posters' exhibition at the MIAH Islamic Arts & Hertiage Gallery. Political posters have always served as a powerful visual language for conveying messages of resistance and justice. The exhibition brings together poster artworks of 26 artists created using different mediums including ink, charcoal, mix media on paper and digital design.
'Tatreez', meaning embroidery in Arabic, was recognised as an important symbol of Palestinian cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2021. Embroidered motifs on traditional dresses reflected a woman's journey and regional identity. Needlework, techniques, threads, and the harmonious balance of colour reflected a woman's social standing, marital status, and wealth. Though much of this craft was lost after 1948, it has now evolved to be a symbol of national identity, cultural survival, and persistence.
The public display of the Palestinian flag was banned in 1967 following the the six-day war. During the first major Palestinian uprising, also known as the First Intifada (1987-93), Palestinian women responded by embroidering the Palestinian flag and sillhoutes of the country using the flag colours in endless repetition. Likewise, during the 1970's and 1980's local Palestinian and international artists designed, printed and disseminated posters to raise awareness for the Palestinian struggle.
During the workshop, you will be guided through instructions to embroider the Palestinian Flag using the'Fallahi' - cross-stitch technique on a tote bag using a waste canvas. The session will focus on the technique, and will require you to continue to complete the piece at home. The design is expected to take approximately 10-12 hours to complete.
The workshop is suitable for adults and children (13+).
All materials will be provided, and the design is of an intermediate level, and prior experience would be beneficial, but not necessary.
Tickets:
£17.50 (+ticket fees)
All profits from this workshop will go toward supporting The Art of the Palestinian Poster exhibition.
Image reference: Palestinian Intifada Dress, Late 20th Century, Textile Research Centre, Leiden (TRC 2003.0007a)
