The Twelve Windows
The Twelve Windows project, created by Inaash and developed into a museum installation with world-renowned Palestinian installation artist Mona Hatoum, presents a ‘visual’ map of Palestine in a series of 12 exquisite embroidered panels. Each of these one square-meter ‘Windows’ represents, through its motifs, stitches and patterns, a key region of Palestine. Together they comprise a vibrant map of Palestine.
Rigorously planned by Malak Al Husseini Abdulrahim – the culmination of over 40 years of dedicated research and design – the panels were meticulously embroidered by Inaash’s most experienced craftswomen.
Drawing on the timeless designs of upper and lower Galilee, Jaffa, Ramallah, Bethlehem and Jerusalem, Hebron, coastal and central Gaza and Beersheba in southern Palestine, the Twelve Windows explore historic Palestine through the longstanding tradition of its embroidery now one of the most tangible facets of Palestinian culture and a symbol of resistance.
In Hatoum’s hands the 12 panels were transformed into a brilliant metaphor for Palestinian life under occupation. The Twelve Windows installation was subsequently exhibited in Hatoum exhibitions in the Kunstmuseum, St. Gallen, Switzerland; the Alexander and Bronin Gallery, New York City, USA; the 2015 Arts of the Islamic World Gala at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, USA, and in major Hatoum Restrospectives at Le Centre Pompidou, Paris, France and Tate Modern, London, UK.
The Twelve Windows was developed with the aid of a grant from Taawon.
Stitching Palestine
Loosely based on the Inaash Twelve Windows project, the multi award winning documentary film Stitching Palestine explores the meaning of traditional Palestinian embroidery within the context of a 21st century aesthetic. It analyzes the contemporary role of embroidery through a narrative articulated by twelve Palestinian women who are leaders in their field. These twelve women from disparate walks of life: lawyers, artists, housewives, activists, architects, and politicians stitch together the story of their homeland, of their dispossession, and of their unwavering determination that justice will prevail.
Produced jointly with Inaash and Taawon by Forward Film Productions, and directed by Carol Mansour, Stitching Palestine has been screened in North and South America, Australia, Asia, Europe and in the Middle East and received best documentary awards in Boston and Delhi
Samia Halaby
In collaboration with the legendary Palestinian artist Samia Halaby, Inaash presents a mesmerizing masterpiece that bridges the gap between traditional Palestinian embroidery and contemporary art. Crafted by Palestinian refugee women, Najat Bachir and Fatima Moussa, residing in the Burj el Chemali Palestinian Refugee Camp in Tyre, Lebanon, this embroidered panel showcases the fusion of ancient craftsmanship and modern vision.
Guided by Samia Halaby, this panel boasts a meticulous design, featuring a vibrant tapestry of DMC floss colors. Each square is a testament to countless hours of dedication, resulting in a breathtaking masterpiece that weaves colors and light, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in its intricate beauty.
This collaboration places Inaash at the forefront of seamlessly blending modern aesthetics with the rich traditions of Palestinian embroidery. Beyond being a work of art, it's a narrative of artistic ingenuity, embodying the spirit of a community where tradition and innovation converge seamlessly.
The panel harmoniously blends tradition and modernity, offering a captivating glimpse into the evolution of Palestinian embroidery. It's a profound contribution to the world of art, a symbol of cultural continuity, and a testament to the enduring legacy of Palestinian craftsmanship.