Stitching Memories: A Conversation with Aida Sulova and Data Chigholashvili

Please join us for a talk between RU resident artist and RU Curator . Collective memory, storytelling, identity, craft, and textiles – these are a few topics they have worked on individually in different post-Soviet contexts. In this conversation, they will focus on Aida Sulova’s artistic practice, discussing her work on collective and personal symbols.

Discussing Soviet propaganda that had entered the traditional craft of Kyrgyzstan in the 20th century, as well as the artist’s childhood memories, this talk will explore textiles as appropriated media for both indoctrination and emancipation. In the realm of socio-cultural changes, where memories intertwine and the traumatic ones linger like ghosts, the reconciliation process becomes like stitching in personal and collective fabrics.

From 2:00 PM that day, selected works by the artist will be on view together with Kyrgyz Tush Kiyz from the 1960s.

About the speakers

is a multi-disciplinary artist and independent curator from Kyrgyzstan. She utilizes memory and storytelling as central themes in her artistic practice to explore concepts such as collective memory, nation-building, and the role of individuals within larger social contexts. Drawing from her own experiences and the stories of others, Sulova delves into the complexities of history, identity, and societal structures.

works at the intersection of social anthropology and contemporary art. Their research, curatorial practice, and art projects explore topics around visual and urban anthropology, ethnography, socially engaged art, natural and built environments, public space, migration, foodways, memory, queering, archives, and/or museums. Currently Data holds the position of the Curator of Residency Unlimited.

This program benefits from the support of The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, and thanks to the , a coalition led by Artistic Freedom Initiative, Residency Unlimited, Tamizdat, and Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater.

Host or Publisher Residency Unlimited