RU Talk: Stitching Memories—A Conversation between Aida Sulova and Data Chigholashvili

Conversation between RU resident artist Aida Sulova and RU Curator Data Chigholashvili. Collective memory, storytelling, identity, craft, and textiles – these are a few topics they have worked on individually in different post-Soviet contexts. In this conversation, they focus on Aida Sulova’s artistic practice, discussing her work on collective and personal symbols.

Discussing Soviet propaganda that had entered the traditional craft of Kyrgyzstan in the 20th century, as well as the artist’s childhood memories, this talk explores textiles as appropriated media for both indoctrination and emancipation. In the realm of socio-cultural changes, where memories intertwine and the traumatic ones linger like ghosts, the reconciliation process becomes like stitching in personal and collective fabrics.

This program benefits from the support of The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, and thanks to the New York City Artist Safe Haven Residency Program, a coalition led by ArtistSafety.net, Artistic Freedom Initiative and Residency Unlimited.