Held in the Weft

Held in the Weft is a conversation with the past. Working in her home studio, Saskatoon based artist Negar Devine-Tajgardan weaves brightly coloured bias tapes, recreating patterns that were a familiar sight throughout her childhood. Negar was born and raised in Iran, immigrating to Canada to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree in 2016. The more time that passes here in her new home, the more her own identity and perceptions adapt, leaving some threads behind.   

The work gives space to the past and the present, to heritage and lived experience. Held in the weft is rooted in the visual culture of Iran, particularly looking to the visual forms and patterns found in Persian textiles, tapestries and architectural ornamentation.  

While the patterns celebrate Iranian heritage, the materials are modern, a nod to Negar’s new home. Alongside the bias tape are loose threads, moments of pearly contrast against deep reds, golds and greens. These threads come from family photographs that were printed on fabric, and then painstakingly unwoven by Negar, wrapped around a spool, are now waiting to be used. 

As the warp and weft of the weavings merge, so to do memory, tradition and culture. As Negar weaves, her hands connect to culture and heritage, to a life that was, is and will be ever evolving. What is Held in the weft is an ongoing journey, moments of recognition and resonance, a window into an experience that is shared by so many.