Language accessibility: English
Free entry

Come to a lecture in which the artist Nour Shantout will discuss the history of political application of Palestinian embroidery, a practice that emerged from the struggle for Palestinian liberation. The lecture will take place at the Trade Fair Palace of the National Gallery, directly within the exhibition grounds of the 2026 Biennale Matter of Art. Admission to the lecture as well as the exhibition is free.

About

Syrian-Palestinian artist Nour Shantout is coming to Prague as part of the final program of the Matter of Art 2026 biennial to present a four-day program comprising a lecture and a three-day workshop on the traditional textile-embroidery technique. Participants will have the opportunity to learn Palestinian embroidery techniques known as “tatreez” and to explore the history of this deeply rooted artistic and craft tradition, through which memories, women’s experiences, migration histories, and cultural identity are preserved.

Program

On Thursday, September 3, the artist will give a lecture on the history of Palestinian embroidery. From Friday, September 4, through Sunday, September 6, the practical part of the program will take place: a workshop focused on developing practical skills in textile embroidery. It is not necessary to attend the introductory lecture in order to participate in the workshop. The workshop is intended only for those who can attend all three days. If you plan to attend the workshop, please register here.

About the lecture

Palestinian embroidery transformed from a domestic practice used for personal purposes into a political tool and a way of counter-mapping Palestine after the 1948 Nakba. For instance, “intifada dresses” emerged a few months after the First Intifada (uprising) in 1987. They featured the Palestinian map along with the Palestinian flag, olive branches, and the Dove of Peace, in addition to traditional motifs and political slogans. Palestinian women embroidered these dresses and wore them during protests; they stitched the Palestinian flag and wore it when it was banned. In this lecture, the participants will learn about the history of Palestinian embroidery in relation to protest and to the anti-imperialist feminist movement in Palestine. Nour Shantout will also teach the cross-stitch technique.