Interwoven is a conceptual, narrative-based performance—an installation that aims to visually and symbolically connect various narratives.

The Bakhtiari Tribe are one of the indigenous, nomadic tribes in Iran, and they have been weaving rugs for export since the early 19th century. A mostly female-
run practice, the resulted woven rugs are known as Gabbeh—crafted in wool and simple in geometry.

These tribal weavers, akin to painters, tell stories. They often depict a landscape, a fable, a scene or even convey an emotion. Most commonly the final Gabbeh is
asymmetric, featuring figures and symbols similar to a two-dimensional illustration. It is this subjective process that renders a Gabbeh to be a visual tale.

Hajar Moradi, whose ancestors come from the Bakhtiari tribe of Iran, has regressed back in her history, learning this intricate craft and weaving it into her visual, contemporary practice.

At 2018 Nuit Blanche Toronto, she had a 12 hours performance of weaving a Gabbeh at Bata Shoe Museum, where she invited the audience to visually and symbolically, participate in the creation of the artwork with their narratives.

The installation was very well-received during Nuit Blanche and more than 10,000 people visited Interwoven, and nearly 1500 people have participated in the artwork.

Curator: Sanam Samanian

Video by Vahid Fazel