London showcase honors ancient artisans of Afghan carpet weaving
Weaving Poems: A Celebration of Afghan Artisans' Craftsmanship at Sotheby's
The Weaving Poems exhibition, currently on display at Sotheby’s in London, is a captivating collection of 24 carpets designed in collaboration with women artisans from the Bamiyan region of Afghanistan. This exhibition, organised by Turquoise Mountain, showcases the centuries-old Afghan carpet-weaving tradition while emphasising the artisans’ craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and empowerment [1][2][3].
British-Afghan artist Maryam Omar spent months designing these contemporary yet deeply inspired carpets remotely. The designs, inspired by the topography, culture, and poetic traditions of Bamiyan, are a testament to the enduring artistic legacy of the women weavers [1][3][4].
The carpets are suspended in mid-air at the Sotheby's exhibition, a nod to their ethereal beauty. Omar aimed to make the makers—the women weavers—the central subject of the collection, reflecting the fluidity of language and the softness of the weavers' lives through the use of watercolors in her designs [5][6].
The Weaving Poems exhibition is significant for several reasons. It revives and honours a centuries-old Afghan carpet-weaving tradition maintained by women artisans in Bamiyan [1]. It bridges contemporary design with cultural heritage, inspired by local poetry and landscape [3][4]. The exhibition highlights the empowerment and economic sustainability of Afghan women through craft [2].
Moreover, the exhibition symbolises international collaboration between organisations like Turquoise Mountain and Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) to preserve cultural heritage and develop artisan communities [2][1]. The exhibition brings global visibility to Afghan women’s craftsmanship and the resilience of their cultural traditions amidst challenging circumstances [1][2].
The Sotheby's exhibition features photography of the Bamiyan Valley by Lorenzo Tugnoli, soundscapes of the weavers' voices and poems that inspired the carpets, and live demonstrations by the craftswomen themselves [7][8]. Only 14 of the original 24 carpets are featured in the Sotheby's exhibition, with the aim of generating income for the weavers and ensuring their livelihoods [9].
Alexandra Roy, head of sale at the Sotheby's Modern & Contemporary Middle East department, emphasises the beauty and quality of the handmade carpets. Weaving Poems is running at Sotheby's until August 22 [10]. Maryam Omar, who attended the Design Doha exhibition last year for her carpets but hadn't seen them in person before, expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to showcase the weavers' work on such a grand stage [11].
In conclusion, the Weaving Poems exhibition is a powerful testament to the resilience and creativity of Afghan women artisans. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving traditional crafts and supporting sustainable livelihoods for artisans around the world.
[1] Turquoise Mountain [2] Qatar Fund for Development [3] The Art Newspaper [4] The Guardian [5] CNN [6] Dazed [7] Dezeen [8] The Telegraph [9] The Calvert Journal [10] The Financial Times [11] The National
- The Weaving Poems exhibition, running at Sotheby's until August 22, presents a blend of news and lifestyle, showcasing sports-like competition in the realm of home-and-garden and world affairs, as it illustrates the Middle East's rich cultural heritage and the empowerment of its artisans.
- The carpets, created in collaboration with women weavers from Bamiyan, Afghanistan, featured in the Weaving Poems exhibition at Sotheby's, reflect the sport of arts traditional craftsmanship, where the poetry of the region and the lifestyle of the weavers intertwine with the world's admiration for their work.
- Engaging with various media sources such as Turquoise Mountain, The Art Newspaper, The Guardian, CNN, Dazed, Dezeen, The Telegraph, The Calvert Journal, The Financial Times, and The National, one can appreciate how the Weaving Poems exhibition revives the centuries-old Afghan carpet-weaving tradition, transforming it into a highly sought-after sport in the artistic world.
