S5E12. The Body in the Thobe with Samar

Send us Fan MailSAMAR HUSSAINI IS A FINE ARTIST WHO HAS INCORPORATED TATREEZ INTO HER BEAUTIFUL WORK (@samardesignsandart). Samar shares her powerful family history rooted in Jerusalem, tracing her grandparents’ forced displacement in 1948, her grandfather’s scholarly work, and her parents’ lifelong political activism. Growing up between the U.S. and her Palestinian heritage, she reflects on the deep influence of her family—particularly the women—who preserved culture, education, and resilience across generations.She describes how tatreez re-emerged in her life through inherited pieces, memories of her grandmother teaching her, and eventually through her work as a fine artist. Samar now creates sculptural thobes and layered paintings incorporating image transfers of tatreez, remnants of family embroidery, and even fragments of her father’s political writings. Her work centers on absence, memory, land, and the emotional experience of Palestinians in the diaspora.Samar emphasizes how art allows her to humanize Palestinians and shift narratives in gallery spaces, often serving as her form of activism. She shares emotional stories of viewers who had never met a Palestinian before, and how her work creates openings for connection, empathy, and dialogue. She also discusses passing tatreez to her daughter and the life lessons—patience, calmness, embracing mistakes—that stitching helped instill.You’ll hear about:>> 00:52: Samar’s connection to Palestine>> 08:11: Connection with tatreez>> 12:28: Incorporating tatreez into Samar’s fine art>> 15:56: What Samar hopes people takeaway from her art>> 21:44: Interacting with visitors viewing her art>> 27:25: The role of art in Palestinian liberation>> 28:46: What’s next for Samar>> 36:36: Samar’s major life lesson 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>> Samar Designs Website>> Meredith Woolnough on Instagram (water soluble embroidery technique)Boycott 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