Acknowledging the global textile waste crisis, which manifests in discarded garments that accumulate in landfills and dumping grounds, this piece aims to provide a discourse on creative solutions.

It draws inspiration from how displaced and nomadic people inherently incorporate reusing, repurposing, and repairing into their daily practices and lifestyles.

Comprised of a series of pieces or fragments of apparel stitched together to envelop the head and shoulders as a veil that transforms into a decorative throw or quilt, Muhajir draws on regional and historical references to illustrate how textiles are used for insulation and protection, safeguarding against unknown, unfamiliar, and harsh environments both on the body and in the home.

Reminiscent of traditional quilting techniques, embellishment, and embroidery used throughout the world, the piece, made from natural and synthetic blends of cotton, ramie, polyester, and nylon, examines the lived experiences of émigrés. It creates a narrative about a group that transcends geographical borders, honoring cultural convergence and the transformative power of place.

Muhajir is part of a larger collection of figures that explore material, surface design, and identity within the context of the human body, with a focus on the head and shoulder area. The work employs conventional textile and fiber art techniques, emphasizing layering, both as overlapping surfaces and as symbolic accumulations of meaning. Stwodah’s research centers on the examination of social behaviors and cultural constructs through the language of visual communication and surface design.