Woven Air
Rezia Wahid
19 September – 31 October 2009
The City Gallery
A solo exhibition of the graceful and subtle woven textiles of Rezia Wahid.
Rezia's signature cloths are graceful, translucent hangings expressing the symbolic attribute of 'woven air'.
Rezia Wahid comments that 'air, peace and tranquillity are words that are part of Islam and Islamic art and architecture, and they profoundly influence my work'.
Rezia's work is restrained and even understated, but in the quiet sway of her silk hangings, there is a deep underpinning belief in the ability of the hand-made material to induce the moment of spiritual and reflective calm, the oasis of beauty in a turbulent and troubled world.
Her aesthetic does not shy away from political or social concerns, though they are addressed tangentially and always through formidable grasp of technique.
Rezia's assimilation of influences – as diverse as the Bangladeshi Jamdhani technique and the English countryside, through her interest in poetry, Western literature, designers and artists, and the weaver's use of natural dyes and fibres – also informs these new cloths.
For more details visit the Woven Air website.
Artist Talk with Rezia Wahid MBE
Friday 16 October
2.00pm – 3.00pm
The City Gallery
To accompany her solo exhibition join textile artist Rezia Wahid as she discusses her pieces and cultural background that is intrinsically interwoven in her work. Rezia’s diverse influences range from Western literature, designers and artists to the Bangladeshi Jamdhani technique and the weaver’s use of natural dyes and fibres.
