Former CE Volunteer, Haya Abdul Hameed created an interactive installation for The Lab (July 26 - May 26, 2015) in Darat al Funun, Amman, Jordan. The piece was inspired by Hameed's experience working with former CE artist Beth Zmerzlikar, who passed away in 2013.
Zmerzlikar was known for her knitted pillowcases which she adorned with French knots. Her practice was a way to relieve her anxiety and stress. Zmerzlikar taught Haya how to make a perfect French knot.
The aim of Hameed's exhibition, عقدة, is to provide a therapeutic process and a release mechanism to the audience interacting with it, while serving as a cushion for all of our "knots." The audience was invited to sew their own "knot" onto it, symbolizing letting go of their complexes.
Knot: A fastening made by tying a piece of string, rope, or something similar.
Knot (Complex): The thoughts and feelings suppressed in the subconscious mind affecting the individual's behavior.
About the exhibition, Hameed remarks, "This is for Beth, an invitation for people to relieve some of their 'knots' onto this pillow."
For an interview with Haya on Middle East Al Jazeera, please click here.
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