Explore Intertwined Matter

Tashkeel presents Entwined Matter by Paola Anziché, a solo exhibition marking the culmination of the Loro Piana Residency at Tashkeel Nad Al Sheba.

An established, mid-career, contemporary Italian artist, Paola Anziché pursues an eco-sustainable practice, creating soft, tactile sculptures from extensive research of traditional craft techniques and material experimentation.

In September, the artist landed in Dubai and embarked on developing a new body of work by diving deep into the United Arab Emirates and its traditional textile crafts. The journey has taken her across the country to myriad locations related to vernacular architecture, archaeology and geology: Jumeirah Archaeological Site in Dubai, Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain, Meliha and Buhais in Sharjah, Al Hamra Village in Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain beach, Al Bidya Mosque in Fujairah and Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi. Paola has also engaged with communities including Emirati craft practitioners – guardians of the traditional weaving techniques of Telli, Sadu and Safeefah.

‘Entwined Matter’ represents the conclusion of an extensive and intensive four-month process of thought and investigation into the ‘hidden’ culture surrounding the Emirate of Dubai and beyond. It is an homage to age-old alliances and trade routes between the United Arab Emirates and its neighbours; a shared history forged by an interwoven culture at this crossroads between East, South and Asia.