S1E20. Innovating Tatreez with Kiki Salem

Send us Fan MailKIKI SALEM IS A ST. LOUIS-BASED MULTI HYPHENATE ARTIST, WEAVER, DESIGNER, SCULPTOR, WRITER, EDUCATOR, AND ENTREPRENEUR (@low_key_ki). Through various mediums, with textiles and material studies at the focus, her practice covers topics of escapism, experimental visual pattern development, linguistic hybridization, occidental assimilation, orientalism, and the Palestinian question. Kiki is a member of the Screwed Arts Collective in St. Louis. Her wearable collection, Punk Ass Arab (@punk_ass_arab) can be found on (and ordered from) Instagram.Kiki’s upbringing in both Palestine and the United States helped her explore her artistic curiosities in innovative ways. With one foot always in the homeland, Kiki is able to balance out honoring Palestinian tradition while also innovating in what she calls hitting the “refresh” button.Our biggest takeaway? Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what new beauty you can create and share with the world.You’ll hear about:>> 1:55: Growing up between Palestine and the United States>> 8:27: Kiki’s tatreez journey>> 13:02: The Punk Ass Arab origin story>> 15:03: Tatreez weaved into Kiki’s art across mediums>> 18:18: Honoring the tradition and still hitting the “Refresh” button>> 23:53: Leveraging technology to inspire tatreez innovations>> 26:06: “The Kiki Effect” and exposing tatreez to a new audience>> 29:51: Collaborating across mediums and with fellow thobe-makers>> 33:37: Going to Palestine (spoiler alert: there’s never a perfect time to go)>> 36:47: Luminary artist-in-residence and visiting Kiki’s art in St. Louis>> 41:49: Kiki’s major life lesson through tatreezRate, Review, & Follow on Your Favorite Podcast Platform“I love Palestinian embroidery and Tatreez Talk.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us elevate the vibrant narratives of Palestinian embroiderers and support more tatreez-ers — just like you — in learning more about tatreez and connecting with each other. You can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and others -- just scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We’re adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!Links mentioned in this episode:>> Buy Kiki’s merch on Instagram @punk_ass_arab>> Follow Kiki on Instagram @low_key_ki>> الفكرة ذكرى  / A thought is a memoryBoycott Resolute RGL. Click here for more information. Boycott ZARA and all Inditex brands—Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Pull & Bear, Stradivarius, Oysho, ZARA Home. Click here for more information.Follow us @tatreeztalkFollow Amanne @minamanne & Lina @linasthobe