Artist Statement

Hidden within the intricate patterns and vibrant colors of Iran’s renowned carpets lies an untold story—the story of the skilled women who weave each thread with precision and artistry. Despite their invaluable contribution to one of Iran’s most treasured cultural heritages, these women remain largely unseen and marginalized. Every flower, bird, and tree woven into a carpet reflects the soul of its maker, transforming a simple rug into a garden where beauty, love, and resilience intertwine. Stepping onto a Persian carpet is like entering a garden full of flowers and birds—a Woven Garden. This project recognizes these unseen hands and hidden voices, honoring the delicate craftsmanship that brings Persian carpets to life.

Woven Garden seeks to illuminate the challenges faced by these women. While they are the backbone of the Persian carpet industry, their hard work often goes unrecognized and unseen. They endure long hours in difficult conditions, yet their contribution remains largely overlooked. Through this project, I aim to amplify their voices and highlight the disparity between their vital role and the recognition they receive.

The project also addresses the urgent need to preserve the endangered art of Persian carpet weaving, including Pattern Singing (Naqshe Khaani). This tradition, in which patterns are sung to co-weavers, still exists in some regions of Iran, with its complex lexical and musical variations. As fewer people learn these techniques, this rich cultural heritage faces the threat of extinction.

Woven Garden features an interactive website that engages users by showcasing the unseen weavers and includes recordings of Pattern Singing, providing an immersive experience of Persian carpet-weaving heritage. This project aims to honor all the weavers and celebrate the beauty they contribute to humanity.