S4E12. Fluent in Tatreez with Joanna Barakat from @thetatreezcircle

Send us Fan MailJOANNA BARAKAT IS AN ARTIST, FOUNDER OF THE TATREEZ CIRCLE, AND NOW AUTHOR (@joanna.barakat.art; @thetatreezcircle). Joanna shares how tatreez became central to her identity—even though neither of her Palestinian grandmothers wore embroidered dresses. Her connection grew not from proximity, but from a deep sense of belonging and curiosity about the meaning behind the stitches.Frustrated by the lack of resources on Palestinian embroidery in contemporary art, Joanna wrote Narrative Threads to document the artists who have used tatreez as a visual language of resistance, memory, and liberation. From village dress motifs to the revolutionary art of the 1960s, and now to global stitchers on Instagram, she traces how tatreez continues to evolve as a powerful tool for storytelling—especially in the face of erasure.Joanna reminds us that cultural preservation is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Her book is a tribute to the artists who continue to create in displacement and under siege. Order your copy of Narrative Threads and help amplify the brilliance of Palestinian art and identity.You’ll hear about:>> 1:01: Joanna’s connection to Palestine>> 4:53: Introduction to art and incorporating tatreez into her art>> 9:02: Heart Strings and what it led to>> 15:39: Beginning @thetatreezcircle >> 25:39: The significance of contemporary artists using tatreez>> 34:54: Narrative Threads by Joanna Barakat>> 47:34: Life lessons from 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>> Joanna’s Website>> Order your copy of Narrative Threads hereBoycott 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