STITCHING PEACE: Conflict, Arpilleras, Memory

The collection of arpilleras and other textile pieces in this exhibition STITCHING PEACE: Conflict, Arpilleras, Memory is drawn from Northern Ireland, England, Spain, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Zimbabwe, Germany, and Colombia. Here, women recount their experiences of conflict and human rights abuse, using the most ordinary domestic materials, such as needle, thread and scraps of fabric.

Their finished pieces bring to life stories of disappearances, forced execution, torture and experiences of a broad spectrum of victims during conflict, exile and political imprisonment. Loss of their loved ones during times of conflict and war, resilience, resistance, denouncement, displacement and actions in social justice are also strongly portrayed. In the midst of such turmoil, the courage and collective action of these women in working towards a more peaceful society and a return to democracy is evident. These stitched voices are undoubtedly a contribution to memory and justice.

On their international journey since 2008, “arpilleras” have been exhibited in museums, universities, art galleries, embassies and community spaces worldwide.

This exhibition curated by Roberta Bacic with the assistance of Breege Doherty is a collaborative work by three organisations in the Basque Country: the Gernika Peace Museum Foundation, La Encartada Fabrica-museo, Balmaseda and San Sebastian City Council, Aiete Peace and Human Rights House.