Deutsch-Afghanische Initiative

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Contemporary quilts, Embroidery
2024
Artist's country: International

Guldusi, the Afghan hand embroidery program run by the German association Deutsch-Afghanische Initiative, was launched in 2004, 20 years ago! Afghan women from 3 villages were motivated to resume hand embroidery, an activity they had abandoned during the long years of war, their priorities being elsewhere.

We present this long journey of exchange between embroiderers and Europeans, starting with the very first square-embroidered sheet, finished in 2004. The embroideries are mainly integrated into patchworks, works which are made available to us to complete this journey and demonstrate the positive evolution of embroidery and its integration into European textile creations.

Thanks to this meeting of cultures, not only is a centuries-old embroidery tradition being saved, but 200 women are feeding their families and gaining recognition within their communities: a unique intercultural artistic exchange.

Guldusi, the Afghan embroidery programme turns 20!

Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines

What started out as a small piece of hand embroidery made in Afghanistan has been transformed into a work of patchwork by a European artist. Each embroidery is an original and unique piece, like a seed, a canvas, on which the inspiration of the European participant is laid.

The embroidery is square, often in the shape of a leaf or an eye or a hand, and always very colorful!

Over the past two decades, these embroideries have inspired thousands of participants for numerous creative projects, making use of all available textile techniques: hand or machine, embroidery, mix media, patchwork, felting and every imaginable combination.

These embroideries catalyze inspirations, sublimating them to produce creations that unite two cultures. Visitors can “read” the happiness and magic of having dared to open up to this little element from elsewhere: the handcrafted Afghan embroidery brought to Europe thanks to the work of the Deutsch-Afghanische Initiative and project coordinator Pascale Goldenberg.