Narrative Threads

Palestinian embroidery, known as tatreez, is a proud tradition that dates back to 2000 BCE. It is a form of collective memory-making that stands for the identity of Palestine and its people. Narrative Threads explores how Palestinian embroidery is reimaged today. Covering the history and meaning behind this ancient art form, Barakat explores how Palestinian embroidery inspires established and mid-career artists through their own painting, sculpture, ceramics, textile art, mixed media, film, photography, digital and street art. She discovers the story-telling capability of Palestinian embroidery – how it is used to explore loss, love and hope – and how and why its cross-stitch motifs continue toresonate universally. Featuring 200 images, including essays by Dr Tina Sherwell, Wafa Ghnaim and George Al Ama, Narrative Threads offers an invaluable insight into the role Palestinian embroidery plays in art around the world today.