Phulkari, meaning "flower work," is a traditional embroidery from Punjab characterized by its vibrant geometric patterns worked in silk thread on handwoven khaddar fabric. The technique employs a distinctive darn stitch that creates precise, symmetrical motifs while allowing the base cloth to show through, producing a play of positive and negative space. Traditionally made by women for domestic and ceremonial use, phulkari designs often carry symbolic meanings, with specific patterns reserved for weddings and religious occasions. This contemporary interpretation transposes Phulkari's visual language onto Lisbon's Entrecampos district, where the embroidery's structured diamond patterns find resonance in the neighborhood's grid-like urban plan. The artwork carefully adapts the traditional colour palette, softening the characteristic deep reds to create a dialogue between Punjabi textile traditions and European aesthetic sensibilities.

Historically, phulkari's development was influenced by Persian textile arts through centuries of cultural exchange along trade routes. This work continues that legacy of cross-cultural conversation, demonstrating how traditional crafts can maintain their essential character while adapting to new contexts. The piece embodies the fluid nature of cultural identity - neither fixed in the past nor severed from its origins, but constantly evolving through creative reinterpretation.

material: handloom cotton-linen blend

size: 88 x 66 x 4 cm