In cooperation with the GULDUSI embroidery programme of the Deutsch-Afghanische Initiative e. V., Afghan women have embroidered ten different motifs based on patterns from our extensive collection. They have taken up the canon of European-Western ornamentation and realised it in their own embroidery technique. For example, a tablecloth from the 1930s with a German interpretation of oriental patterns was supplemented by the embroiderers with their own ornaments. Or the embroiderer Morsal found the back rather than the front of one of our upholstery fabric patterns more interesting. The floral motif on MALIMO bed sheets, which is only in blue, was also realised in colour. The result was unique, enchanting embroideries in very different and personal reinterpretations of our German patterns.
40 participants from Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Spain and Switzerland created their own artistic textile artworks using these embroidery motifs, in which they explored the West-East context. Themes such as the role of women in Afghanistan, their embroidering activities and Oriental ornamentation have been taken up several times.
On display are classically crafted pieces as well as the unusual, in any case artistic and well-crafted textile works.
The sale of embroideries from the GULDUSI embroidery programme provides financial support for around 200 women and their families in villages north of Kabul.
more to Exhibition "West-East inspiration in textiles"
