khayamiya, 2023, wood, kayma fabric, tablecloth, vinyl, patchwork, drawings, collected objects
Egypt has a rich history of tent making, specifically khayamiya structures, utilized for a variety of gatherings ranging from political events to funerals and weddings. The geometric pattern derives from traditional practices of appliqué, now typically manufactured and easily accessible and replaceable. The stretched fabric on the frames was utilized for my own wedding in August 2023 and carries the loving energy to this piece. This structure can be disassembled into panels and set up wherever it is needed; it does not define a space, but creates a temporary place to be together. The addition of patches, objects, and drawings from my life and ancestry add intention and protective energy to the tent and those who engage with it, and is a return to appliqué storytelling methods.
