Ongoing exhibition tells stories through crafts

Ongoing exhibition Threading Stories features the handcrafted art processes of Latin America. Eleni Philippou has a look around 

Traditional handicrafts can serve to reflect a large part of a culture’s identity. Shining a light onto Latin American handcrafting processes and the stories they tell, one ongoing exhibition seeks to spark a conversation about the relationship between labour and value in craft.

Threading Stories is the second part of an exhibition series in Nicosia putting the artisans, their communities and most importantly their craft on show. During a one-year trip in Latin America, Cypriot designer Teresa Georgallis and Ecuadorian photographer Alejandro Villacis visited local communities and artisans, collecting their stories and art works. In November 2020, in between lockdowns, they set up in a newly-renovated space in old Nicosia to present the first part of the project.

The first exhibition presented material from Ecuador and Colombia. The second and final round of the exhibition, on at 103 Trikoupi street until the end of April, presents artefacts from Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador.

Entering the exhibition, the smell of palo santo hit my nostrils and it was obvious that the space is new. It had freshly painted white walls which made the hung colourful textile designs stand out even more. Hand-woven textile pieces from Peru and Bolivia decorate the walls. Near them are replicas from Ecuador, photo prints with indigenous scenes but what immediately caught my eye were the pieces of jewellery from the Ecuadorian Andes with a filigree technique that brought to mind the well-known Lefkaritiko.

“Filigree or filigrana in Spanish,” said Teresa and Alejandro, “is a world travelled technique originating from Mesopotamia. Jewels, ornaments and ceremonial decorations made using the technique can be traced back to ancient cultures across the globe. In Ecuador, the technique arrived during colonial times. The Spanish were first exposed to filigrana by the Phoenicians, then exported and spread the technique throughout Latin America. Similarly, Cyprus was introduced to the filigree technique by the Phoenicians. The production method follows the same steps however the designs are different.”

Putting the spotlight on these traditional crafts is important to the two curators. Teresa’s work as a woven textile designer celebrates handmade processes and Alejandro’s photography is based on the complexity and interaction between subject and object where forms, textures and people are participants in the creation of images.

“On many occasions,” they explained, “traditional craft reflects a distinctive worldview, in an attempt to articulate a diverse understanding of life. Through the research, it is evident that craft practices bear a unique historical and cultural value, undoubtedly worthy of preservation.”

The Threading Stories project began back in 2017, originating from a personal interest in craftsmanship, culture and tradition. The initial investigation between maker and artefact led to an in-depth observation of traditional practices and cultural association. Embarking on the trip took a year to plan. Then in 2018, the duo headed to Ecuador, before continuing to Peru and Bolivia, finishing their journey a year later in Colombia.

“During a search for authentic traditional craft, we immersed ourselves in communities, observing their social structure, traditions and environment, thus acknowledging craft as an integral part of their identity and everyday life. We travelled around different regions collecting stories and recording our encounters. The most precious experience was the personal interaction, the individual story and the creative expression reflected within every object.”

The exhibition aims to generate interest, raise awareness and open discussions on cultural identity, the value of craftsmanship and the importance of responsible investment. Threading Stories is a platform that celebrates creative knowledge exchange and promotes a shift towards a sustainable future.

However the project is not yet finished. As a response to a revival in the appreciation of craft, the platform acts as a resource site by sharing stories and actively encouraging knowledge exchange. The exhibited material, which can be purchased, may interest designers, researchers, archaeologists, anthropologists, students, culture lovers, travellers and the wider creative world.

By bringing all those people together to observe and admire traditional crafts, Threading Stories hopes to create a dialogue on local tradition and extend their investigation by working with local or regional makers. When the exhibition is over at the end of this month, the project will remain on Trikoupi street to welcome future collaborations and educational experiences.

Once measures allow, the space intends to host events, workshops, talks, discussions and exhibitions, with a permanent area for trading. “Our vision,” concluded Teresa and Alejandro, “is to continue investing in craft through research, trade and education. In our view, the preservation of craftsmanship requires a delicate approach by not interfering but assisting, not changing but evolving.”

Threading Stories

Exhibition and research project on traditional handicrafts through a field trip in Latin America. Curated by Teresa Georgallis and Alejandro Villacis. Until April 30. 103 Trikoupis Street, Nicosia. Wednesday-Friday: 10am-7pm. Saturday: 10am-6pm. www.threadingstories.org Tel: 99-874235, 99-825194