Veil and Blade

Aisha Khalid’s Kashmiri Shawl (2011) is a monumental textile installation that juxtaposes beauty with underlying tension. On one side, a pashmina shawl displays intricate paisley and floral motifs, reminiscent of traditional Kashmiri embroidery. On the reverse, over 300,000 gold-plated steel pins pierce through, their sharp tips exposed against a vivid red backdrop, introducing a sense of unease. This duality reflects the contrast between the global admiration for Kashmiri craftsmanship and the region’s overlooked geopolitical struggles. Originally commissioned for the Sharjah Biennial, the piece invites viewers to contemplate the complexities woven into cultural artifacts. This work can be seen at [Sharjah Art Foundation, Sharjah,https://universes.art/en/sharjah-biennial/2011/sharjah-art-museum/aisha-khalid].

Duration: 00:02:22

Tags: aisha, khalid, kashmiri, shawl, asia, 11_352_s_10_gc_khalid_kashmirishawl_0222_p14.mp4 kashmiri shawl is an installation located now in the corvi-mora gallery. it is a pashmina scarf with gold plated steel pins. on one side, the heavily worked paisley and floral design offers a scene of luxurious detail. the backside tells a different story – staggered and unbound by the pin’s head, sharp tips protrude from the red wool to reveal a hazardous surface. the work draws attention to what khalid views as a disparity between the global consumption of shawls from this region and the lack of attention placed on its geopolitical realities., women, woman