Supported by the Aga Khan Foundation (UK), an exhibition “Rethreading and Retracing: Textiles & Techniques” by internationally renowned textile artist Bita Ghezelayagh, ran the Aga Khan Center Gallery in London from February 27 until March 3.
The exhibition has given a glimpse into her practice which is influenced by her Iranian cultural heritage, according to the Aga Khan Center.
Influenced by her Iranian cultural heritage, Bita transforms old woven textiles and eastern carpets into new pictorial objects and works of art. She uses traditional embroidery techniques along with found materials to transform disused textiles, giving them a renewed sense of life and an altogether different purpose.
This exhibition reportedly included a series of new works created recently that have not been shown before. Carpet squares rethreaded in part with colored wool are adorned with simmering mirror borders to give a jewel like aesthetic.
Bita Ghezelayagh was born in Florence, Italy but is of Iranian descent. She studied architecture at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris La Villette, where she received an MA. She worked for the Association of Iranian Calligraphers in Tehran and was art director of three notable Iranian films, including The Pear Tree by Dariush Mehrjui.
Bita’s work has been the subject of many solo and group exhibitions in the UK and internationally. She has also shown in major art fairs and festivals across the world. Her work is within both public and private collections including the British Museum, the Farjam Foundation, Devi Art Foundation, Jameel Foundation and most recently within the Islamic Middle East Collection at the Victoria & Albert Museum. Bita Ghezelayagh lives and works in London.
The Aga Khan Center in London is a place for education, knowledge, cultural exchange and insight into Muslim civilizations. The Aga Khan Center hosts a variety of events, exhibitions and talks that are open to the public.
