S2E5. RESEARCHING PALESTINE THROUGH TATREEZ WITH AMITA

AMITA KHURANA IS A PALESTINIAN-INDIAN TATREEZ ARTIST, RESEARCHER, AND ACTIVIST WITH ARTISTS AGAINST APARTHEID (@AMITASTATREEZ / @AMITA.KHURANA). Through personal exploration and academic research, she developed a deeper connection to Palestine through tatreez. 

Amita was then led to introduce tatreez at the student encampments at Columbia University and shares insights on the history of these encampments and the challenges of reconciling her role within the student movement alongside counter protesters and media attention.

She is now sharing tatreez with the broader NYC community and through her involvement in the Artists Against Apartheid movement, which is open to join both in and outside of NYC! Activism through art is a powerful vehicle for storytelling, raising awareness about social injustices, and inspiring collective action while fostering a deeper understanding of cultural identities.

You’ll hear about:

>> 1:01: Amita’s connection to Palestine

>> 5:05: Amita decides to begin her tatreez journey

>> 11:50: Researching tatreez in an academic capacity

>> 23:28: The collision of research and practice tatreez

>> 25:06: Introducing tatreez at the student encampments in Columbia

>> 31:50: Extending tatreez from campus to the broader community in NYC

>> 33:45: History of student encampments at Columbia University

>> 38:49: Reconciling being part of the student movement and counter protesters and media

>> 42:26: Joining the Artists Against Apartheid movement

>> 49:22: Amita’s life lessons from tatreez

Rate, Review, & Follow on Your Favorite Podcast Platform

“I love Palestinian embroidery and Tatreez Talk.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us elevate the vibrant narratives of Palestinian embroiderers and support more tatreez-ers — just like you — in learning more about tatreez and connecting with each other. You can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and others -- just scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We’re adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Links Mentioned

>> Amita Khurana, The Power of Tatreez: Transformations in Politics and Practice Post-1948 in Afkar: The Undergraduate Journal of Middle East Studies

>> The People’s Forum Programming - Monday Volunteer Meetings for Palestine

>> The People’s Forum Instagram

>> Artists Against Apartheid

Follow us @tatreeztalk
Follow Amanne @minamanne & Lina @linasthobe