Exploring Cultural Heritage and Solidarity Through Design
The design research investigates the multifaceted interplay between culture and design within the context of settler colonialism in occupied Palestine. Its core objective is to underscore the profound influence of visual storytelling in expressing cultural subtleties and fostering genuine empathy and solidarity. An essential aspect of the research explores the role of fear in feeling misrepresentations and the subjugation of Palestinians. To understand their experiences comprehensively, this exploration considers the historical, social, and political elements that have sculpted the Palestinian narrative. The research further scrutinizes the capacity of design to nurture cultural identity and champion precise representation, emphasizing the significance of addressing the obstacles introduced by oppression and cultural erasure.
The design project proposal, “Tatreez Stories”, innovatively combines traditional Palestinian embroidery, or tatreez, with present-day Palestinian narratives through a dynamic digital platform. It furnishes a creative avenue for Palestinians to communicate their stories of identity, ambitions, challenges, and hopes. These narratives are expressed through the distinctive hues and traditional patterns of tatreez, reinvented in a modern context. The platform is a vibrant digital tapestry promoting diverse storytelling and authentic self-representation within the Palestinian community. Its mission transcends to broadening global understanding and inspiring solidarity by providing a unique insight into the Palestinian experience.
