The installation features a wall adorned with hand-embroidered roses, some of which are incomplete. This design reflects an ongoing act of embroidery, with needles and threads left attached to the partially finished flowers, mimicking how embroidery is sometimes left unfinished with needles still embedded in the fabric. The curator initially suggested a site-specific work for the gallery space, prompting the artist to consider the concept of twin cities, Manchester and Faisalabad—both renowned textile hubs. This reflection led the artist to contemplate the historical impact of industrialization on traditional hand weavers in the subcontinent when Britain introduced power looms. The installation thus speaks not only to this historical context but also to broader themes of empowerment.
The installation is composed of two interconnected parts. The first is the wall, measuring 21×28 feet, which features the hand-embroidered roses. The second part is a video projection on the floor, accompanied by sound, positioned in front of the wall. While the wall showcases the intricate and labor-intensive nature of hand embroidery, the video offers a contrasting perspective.
In the video projection, a close-up shot depicts the same rose being embroidered by a machine. The focus is on the machine’s needle and the linear construction of the rose, which resembles a map. The machine’s operation divides the image with flowing red threads that obscure the actual thread, creating an impression of red fluid forming the design. The accompanying sound of the embroidery machine adds an auditory dimension, emphasizing the mechanical process over the delicate handwork.
Together, the wall and the video projection create a dialogue about the value and accessibility of craftsmanship. The embroidered wall suggests the difficulty and exclusivity of handwork—an art form that appears more precious and decorative. In contrast, the video on the floor suggests something more commonplace and undervalued, symbolizing the transition from the cherished handcraft to the mechanized and easily accessible, as the image is placed where viewers can walk over it.