ABOUT

Hi, I’m Abeer Kayani. I specialised in hand-dyed and printed textiles from University for the Creative Arts, Surrey. I am a maker with a deep passion for bold bright colours and intricate details that form a rhythmic array of systematic patterns. Exploring these details and their underlying meaning and cultural significance is an integral expression of my cultural identity. In Pakistan, I grew up surrounded by luscious material, embroidery, print and jewellery. I am based in Southampton and work across my studios across Southampton and Islamabad, Pakistan where I am exploring and training with Artisans to develop heritage and sustainable textile skills.

I also use a range of dye and print techniques that allow me to work in a highly experimental and creative way. With a Developing Your Creative Practice Award 2024-25 from Arts Council England I specialise in natural dye and print skills with training from Master Craft Practitioners across the UK. I am currently developing projects which explore, share and translate this learning into accessible means for groups and organisations.

My cultural experience inspired silk scarfs are stocked in Llantarnam Grange – Arts Centre in Cwmbran, Wales. If you are unable to visit, you may email me to book an in person viewing of my collection, or visit my online portfolio of a limited series of works here.

JOURNEY

After graduating I exhibited at New Designers 2019 in Islington. I was an Artist in Residence at the Watts Gallery, Guildford. This was an invaluable opportunity which allowed me to work from a studio space in the beautiful Surrey landscape. I researched colour and performed experimental studies. My residency was part of the ongoing exhibition of Victorian Orientalist painter John Frederick Lewis. This was followed by my course with the Prince’s Trust to launch my business.

I had the opportunity to be a guest speaker at the 2020 Westminster media forum for Arts Council England. Through the summer lockdown of 2020 I worked on an installation commission for Solent Showcase Gallery alongside Lecturer, Author and Researcher Nazneen Ahmed Pathak. This project materialized with the support of Mayflower 400 and was on display in the eight-metre long window space at the Solent Showcase Gallery from May 2021 – April 2022. Following this experience, I produced an interactive silk installation artwork for Manifesting the Unseen Collective. This piece explored ligh-shadow movement with pattern interaction in the glow of precious and luminous silk material. It was exhibited as a group show at Southampton City Art Gallery, May – October 2021.

I stocked my luxury silks at Liberty of London from April – August 2022 as part of a partnership with the Crafts Council, involving a group of nine exceptional makers from a variety of disciplines from textiles, furniture design, wood work, ceramics and more, read more the collaboration here. This was followed by an awarded Solo Showcase Award with Llantarnam Grange in Cwmbran, Wales 02 Sept – 31 October 2022. Since then I have partnerned with various galleries and organisations to deliver programmes teaching skills and undergoing research collaborations, including University of Southampton and BBC project ‘Make yourself at Home’, Milton Keynes Islamic Arts and Culture Organisation ‘Roots and Foundations’ Project with Afghan Refugee women, Mount Pleasant Junior School ‘Islamic art repeat patterns’ Sessions and ‘House Banner’ Artist Residency Project, Mencap Active Citizens group ‘Sustainability Project’ with showcases across various galleries and venues.

Join my Newsletter to keep up to date about my ongoing work and development, click here to find out where you can see me next. I send out a newsletter every 4-6 weeks, keeping it colourful, exclusive and relevant!

COLLECTION

My Transition silk scarves are available to view and purchase online here. Did you know my collection of luxury silks have been stocked in Liberty of London, featured on the BBC as well as received a Craft Skills award from Devon Guild in partnership with Craft Festival. If you are looking for a bespoke design, size or colour option drop me an email and I would be happy to advise!

MENTIONS

CRAFT CONVERSATION: Interview recording
Anytime Artisan: Silky Smooth Stocking filler
Craft Festival: 5 Favourites by Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre
Soton Etsy: Festive Guide
Anytime Artisan: Exhibitor Profile
Making Matters: Exhibitor Profile
Shortlisted Rising Stars of 2020

ArtsThread: BA (Hons) Textile Design Graduates 2019
Farnham Herald, May 2019 Edition
Life in Farnham, May 2019 Edition
SDC International Colour Competition 2019