Pictured above: Behishta Anwar, President of the Federation of Afghan Women of South Australia
Hanging by a Thread – Mosaic for Afghan Women, part of a worldwide project drawing attention to the social and economic conditions of women after the Taliban takeover, is underway at Canberra Glassworks, Australia. It runs from 22 August – 24 October 2024.
Mosaic artists and community members from each state in Australia and New Zealand worked to create a giant glass mosaic scarf mounted on panels. For the first time, the panels are all together on display in the Engine Room of the Canberra Glassworks.
This international project was originally initiated by Bady Essid Jaballah from Tunisia and the scarf concept took shape under the art director Madeleine Turgeon from Canada. It then gained momentum in Canada and Britain. This collective work symbolises the enduring spirit of Afghan culture, reminding us that our own freedoms are also fragile. With contributions from artists across Germany, France, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Canada, the USA, Tunisia, Italy, Japan, the UK, Greece, and various South American communities, Hanging by a Thread is a truly global endeavour.
Seven coordinators from Australia and New Zealand partnered with the global network of collaborators, who have been working together since September 2021 to highlight the social and economic challenges faced by Afghan women and girls. Through social media, this international effort has united artists from around the world to create unique mosaic scarves.
Exhibition dates:
22 August to 22 October 2024
Wednesday to Sunday
10.00am to 4.00pm
Free entry
Presented by Canberra Glassworks in association with the Mosaics Association of Australia and New Zealand (MAANZ).
Photos courtesy of Canberra Glassworks.
Read more:
Hanging by a Thread exhibitions underway across the world (November 2022)