In the Folds, 2008

hand-embroidery, applique, and beading on wool felt, cotton,
72” x 29”
American Jewish Museum, Pittsburgh, PA

In the Folds reveals the story Pa Shaw Pah told me about her harrowing escape from persecution in Burma, the refugee camp in Thailand and the hardships of starting a new life in Pittsburgh. Traditional Karen protective tattoo patterns of elaborate, oval, symmetrical Buddhist designs worn by her ethnic group merge here with the cartoon characters her toddler son absorbs on TV in Pittsburgh and the housekeeping cart that she wields each day in a local hotel. Jewish Children and Family Services has assisted her settlement and commissioned the piece. The Hebrew letters spell out the guiding torah passage for their work: “Justice, Justice, you shall pursue.”(Deuteronomy 16:20)

Articles:

“Exhibition tells life stories through art”, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 30,2008

Sharpsburg Artist depicts refugee’s hope”, The Herald, March 20, 2008