Enduring Threads
Starting in February 2024, Roundhouse youth began to examine how cultures across the globe use textiles as an expression of identity and form of resistance. This mini-residency led by artist Karen ThαΊ£o La involves participants in a conception to completion process, asking them to challenge preconceived notions of what creativity is and how material choices carry meaning to learning how to transfer intent into visual expression.
Each session incorporates a question, then a discussion on the question, as well as an introduction to a selected textile artist before engaging in hands-on activities. Thus far they have surveyed the work of Faith Ringgold, Pia Camil, Sheila Hicks, Diedrick Brackens, and Jada Gabrielle Pape.
The following prompts have instigated these weekly conversations giving them ideas for their artwork.
- What does creativity mean to you?
- What does endurance mean to you?
- Why do we use textiles as a medium? What is possible with textiles?
- What change do you hope to see in the world around you? How will you be a part of it?
After six weeks, the process culminated in the participants first public art display at the Roundhouse Community Centre as part of Poetics of Possibility, a creative experiments and public talk series.
Season 1 participants: Anisabonu Salom Abduhamed Qizi, HyoJung Jenny Kim, Julia De Almeida
After a successful first season, Karen ThαΊ£o La was invited back by the Roundhouse to facilitate two more Enduring Thread series, beginning in November 2024. Continuing the same themes, Part 1 focuses on skill-building and textile techniques, ranging from Japanese Shibori to smocking. Part 2 of Season 2 begins in February 2025 and culminates in a week-long exhibition during BC Youth Week, showcasing the work of six participants.