Hemaseh Manawi Rad b. 1995

To what extent does our origin determine who we are? Hemaseh’s work is a dialogue between cultures. Her Persian roots and current Western environment create friction in experiences. These triggers inspire her to create tactile and textile works that do justice to both cultures. Hemaseh tries to embrace the intermediate area between two cultures as one. The work balances between Middle Eastern and Western themes. The subjects visualised in the works are based on Hemaseh’s personal life, drawing from memories, traditions, stories and experiences. To feel at home, she chooses and models traditions from both cultures.

Her work is like a soft and poetic puzzle piece that connects the modern West and the Middle East. With sowing, weaving and tufting Hemaseh creates personal and expressive works which call on the viewer to identify with them. She challenges the viewer to enter non-Western perspectives and settings and seduces them to stay there.