alinah azadeh's Page

I am looking for objects for my new textile installation and I would love you to contribute…'The Gifts' will consist of 999 of small objects donated by the public, which have personal meaning for the Giver and somehow represent some experience, memory or association he/she is prepared to lay to rest. These objects - pieces of personal legacy - are being wrapped and bound by me using fabric and yarn, together with a silent blessing and will become part of a major new exhibition, The Shape of Things at Bristol’s City Museum & Art Gallery, UK from 6 February to 18 April 2010

The project has a special personal resonance for me – this year will be the 5th anniversary of the death of my mother in the Asian Tsunami. The first 99 gifts are from my life and many of these objects are personal effects left by my mother that I had to deal with as the executor of her estate and could not face throwing away - her keys, sim card, wallet, identity cards etc.
I have found in the wrapping of these objects that the project is turning into a ritual, a final farewell to the remaining vestiges of not only my mothers life but also to certain chapters of my experience which I wanted to acknowledge as meaningful but in the past. I am offering the public an opportunity to experience a release, as the donated objects are transformed through the wrapping into an artwork that will have many stories to communicate.

I am aiming for 999 gifts because the number 9 is a symbol of completion and perfection in many cultural traditions and this project is all about completing experiences and drawing things to a close.

I will be exhibiting alongside ceramic artist Rosa Nguyen. The Shape of Things is a UK national project, which focuses on issues of cultural identity in contemporary crafts practice and aims to encourage a diverse market and audience representative of society.

I have 6 weeks to gather 800 objects so I hope you will help me out… Objects donated so far range from love letters, jewellery and wedding shoes to a CND badge, a pipe, a zip drive, sunglasses and a door handle

To donate an object that is ‘past its emotional sell-by date please download and fill in the pdf on my website at http://www.alinahazadeh.com/p-The-ShapeOfTheThings.htm, describing the object and what it means to you . Objects can be sent with the postcard to The Gifts, PO BOX 199, LEWES BN7 9GQ, EAST SUSSEX, UK . The closing date is 30 November 2009.

For information about the project and how to take part, visit www.bristol.gov.uk/museums, www.alinahazadeh.com or call 0117 922 3571.

For more info on The Shape of Things please visit www.theshapeofthings.co.uk

Many thanks..
Alinah