Fondazione dell'Albero d'Oro - Palazzo Vendramin Grimani
Per Non Perdere il Filo - Exhibition - The Art of the Thread - Zarif Design
Performance - Party Photos
During the Venice Biennale at Palazzo Vendramin Grimani, the Fondazione dell'Albero d'Oro hosts a series of events alongside the exhibition - Per Non Perdere il Filo - So as Not to Lose the Thread - curated by Daniela Ferretti, featuring artists Karine N'guyen Van Tham and Parul Thacker. A highlight of the program was a special evening by Zarif Design titled - Art of the Thread - celebrating the craftsmanship of Afghan Women and their empowerment through artisanal practices. The event featured opening remarks by Diane von Furstenberg and a mesmerizing Sufi Dance performance by Sahar Dehghan.
Sufi Dance - Sahar Dehghan
Fondazione dell'Albero d'Oro - Palazzo Vendramin Grimani
Per Non Perdere il Filo - Karine N'guyen Van Tham - Parul Thacker
Exhibition
French-Vietnamese artist Karine N'guyen Van Tham - Marseille, 1988 - and Indian artist Parul Thacker - Mumbai, 1973 - were invited to engage with the historic Palazzo Vendramin Grimani. Starting in late February, they collaborated on an exhibition, including site-specific works created for the space. Despite their different backgrounds, they explored the theme of the "thread" - reflected in the exhibition title - So as not to lose the thread. This concept serves as an expressive medium, metaphor, and source of inspiration, materializing in weaving, braiding, and embroidery. Their works—poetic and intimate from Karine, and multi-material and spiritual from Parul complemented the atmosphere of the Venetian palazzo.
"...always the light that
pushes the darkness away."
Diane von Furstenberg and Zarif Design's Zolaykha Sherzad
Founded in 2005 in Kabul, Zarif Design—meaning - precious - in Dari—was created by Zolaykha Sherzad to revive Afghan craftsmanship in sewing, fashion, and art. Inspired by Swiss ethnologists Roland and Sabrina Michaud, as well as 17th-18th century Herat engravings and miniatures, Zolaykha focuses on blending tradition with modernity. Zarif's artisans weave rich silk and traditional striped cottons of the Chapans, a hallmark of Afghan heritage. Zolaykha oversees every stage of production, from sourcing materials in Afghanistan to collaborating with master weavers, ensuring sustainable fashion while empowering local artisans, especially women.
Zarif Design
Sahar Dehghan - Sufi Dance Performance
Per Non Perdere il Filo - Karine N'guyen Van Tham - Parul Thacker
Party Photos
Beatrice de Reynies, Carla Alvera , Fabio Moretti and Martina Grimani
Donata Grimani, Marco Niada - co-founder Arghosha Faraway Schools and Lucia Paoletti
Chahan Minassian, Diane von Furstenberg and Daniela Ferretti
Helene Molinari
Chicca Lanfranchi
France Thierard, Roberto De Feo, Olga Spagno di Spilimbergo,
Riccardo Quarti and Servane Giol
Zolaykha Sherzad, Fabrizio Plessi and Karla Otto
Maria Novella Papafava dei Carraresi
Sigrid de Montrond, Ricky Makin-Poole and Elisabeth Bouteiller
Bianca Wolf
Caterina Tognon
Donata Grimani
 |
| photo - Laura Ceretti Bianca Menegatti, Zarif Design's Zolaykha Sherzad and Maria Heuvo |
photo - Roya Heydari - model Jade Margot
Zarif Design
The Zarif Collection is produced in Kabul, where it employs local artisans, practicing the art of - Slow Production - Zarif is able to source traditional fabrics from Afghanistan and Central Asia, the former - Silk Road - fostering Fair-Trade practices and the use of natural fibers and dyes. Zarif provides a platform where traditional, high-quality craftsmanship is a source of economic opportunity and personal fulfillment. At it's core, Zarif acts as an ambassador, sharing the rich cultural heritage of Afghanistan and its people.
Zarif Design Collection in Venice
September 25-30
Maria Novella Papafava Gallery
1046 Dorsoduro - Venezia