About

(Left) ice bucket and found beads, collection of Nicole Barakat (Right) beaded linen sampler by Paula do Prado

Artists in dialogue on borders and the politics embedded within. Nicole Barakat and Paula do Prado collaborate in  ‘Adiafa/Diyafa: Gifts of Exchange’ a contemporary textile exhibition. Cross Art Projects, Sydney, opens 15 October 2011

Nicole Barakat and Paula do Prado collaborate for the first time in their show Adiafa/Diyafa (ضيافة): Gifts of Exchange at Cross Art Projects, Sydney (15 October - 10 November 2011).  The exhibition explores exchange as a making process as well as a broader theme within social and cultural customs of gifts of welcome and hospitality.  Inspired by the artist’s recent travels, the series of contemporary textile works engage with ideas of home/return, place/belonging, absence/presence.  

Adiafa is a Spanish word originating from the Arabic Diyafa (ضيافة) meaning hospitality.  Featuring detailed stitching, beading and text elements, the works in the exhibition have been developed out of a collaborative process of exchanging stories and experiences, materials and textile processes.  Exchange is explored as a catalyst for (self) transformation, individual and collective narrative and shared knowledge.  The true gift of exchange is its ability to initiate a distinctive dialogue.