Around the tablecloth

More than a decade ago, I discovered a vintage template for a tablecloth embroidery at a flea market in my birth city of Łódź, Poland. The floral cross-stitch pattern is screen-printed in blue on linen and partially filled in by an unknown stranger. This object carries not only the story and intentions of that anonymous person but also the expectation of following a prescribed pattern to achieve a specific outcome. It evokes memories of family gatherings, tradition, domestic labor, and the often-overlooked work of women.

Over four sessions, a diverse group of participants in Berlin and Wrocław used the tablecloth’s familiar form to spark conversations and exchange. We used our collective crafting time to center mental health; we discussed identity, place, and the ways we interpret and respond to personal and collective traumas.


With ZUSA What’s Next residency
Berlin, Germany and Wrocław, Poland
2024