During this period, she focused on the resettlement of just arrived Syrian refugees in the UK. The cycle is a powerful testimony to the stories of separation, loss, and the harsh daily migrant realities. These narratives are intricately embroidered onto the undersides of worn shoes.
Haidar used discarded footwear collected from migrant communities. They are marked by wear and tear, covered with accumulated dirt and bear the remnants of past wearers. The disintegration of the shoes becomes a poignant symbol of the arduous journeys and the challenges of forced displacement. In particular, her evocative and intricate textile work ‘A Mother's Sacrifice’, that communicates the silent voices of mothers who gave up so much for their children. These sad stories are often unseen and unheard. Haidar’s stitched shoes pay tribute to the enduring spirit of motherhood, of love and care. She reflects on her multicultural background, her personal experiences as a mother, and the wider context of migration.
Image:
Courtesy and ©Aya Haidar, A Mother's Sacrifice from The Soleless Series, 2019. Embroidery on shoe soles, H510 mm x W465 mm x D80 mm.
Courtesy and ©Aya Haidar, and Renée Pfister Art and Gallery Consultancy, 2024. All rights reserved.
#ayahaidar #thepowerofart #motherhood #caring #nourishing #soleless #shoes #sacrifices #children #motherlove #arduousjourneys #reneepfisterartandgalleryconsultancy