Exhibition Artist: Abeer Kayani

In this series, we will spotlight the four pieces that were commissioned for the Bridges not Borders Exhibition of South Asian Art (September 2024).

Abeer Kayani’s Rungun Ki Raah is an artwork on silk inspired by Pakistani Truck Art. To help her develop her commission, Abeer analysed hundreds of Truck-art pieces produced by the Solent community at workshops in schools, libraries and community centres from September 2023 – July 2024.

Abeer at work

Abeer says: This is an amalgamation of the essence of how I work and the way trucks are hand painted. I worked on a sheer silk that I dyed as it gives the most beautiful surface and movement when painted.

Rungun Ki Raah on display at the exhibition

Abeer Kayani is an award-winning South Asian textile designer-maker based in Southampton. She specialises in hand-dyed and screen-printed textiles, processing thoughts on belonging, sense of identity and representation. She works closely with local communities focused on representation, inclusivity and visibility. She is highly commended by Society of Dyers and Colourists for exceptional craftsmanship.

Her passion for artisan craftsmanship led her to Pakistan where she is developing a network and portfolio of historic treasured textile skills. She aims to understand and revive crafts facing risk of endangerment due to barriers and limitations of language, accessibility and experience, working with artisans in sustainable and mindful methods. Based between Southampton and Islamabad, she works from her home studios developing commissions for homes and public spaces. Interested in Abeer’s work? Follow her on Instagram and visit her website.