This gallery book documents the travelling exhibit »Keep Your Eye on the Planet«. The exhibit consists of 45 textile works measuring 60 x 60 cm, made by european women. The challenge called for the incorporation of at least one eye, embroidered in Afghanistan, in a textile work of art interpreting issues facing our planet.
Among the 45 works chosen by the jury, many addressed ecological issues such as pollution or biodiversity in the ocean. Poetically or provocatively, attention was drawn to the animal world and species extinction; in other works the focus was on the planet‘s flora. Several titles convey directly the message in the fabric: »You can’t eat trash«, »Where has all the plastic gone?«, »Look closely, think, act now!«. The command, »Save the Planet« demands our immediate attention and action.
Compassion for our fellow man is ardently expressed in many submissions, i.e. »We are all migrants on earth«, »The Freedom Dreamers« and »Give a face to the people«, all addressing the topic of migration. »The Children are the Future« und talkaboutchildlabour look at the role of children in present and future society.
The gallery book shows each artwork in its entirety and a detail thereof. Interspersed are short stories from Afghanistan, including Persian poetry and verses that illustrate tradition and reality in that faraway land. Enhancing and complementing our theme, are the interactive art projects of Astrid J. Eichin and Elisabeth Masé and the initiative »Peace of Paper« from Munich.
We are encouraged to take care of our planet and treat each other with respect. The work »Everyone should be seen through the same eyes«, the title of which stems from an Afghan saying, embodies the appeal that we want to voice with the presentation of this wandering exhibit and gallery book. In closing, let us urge you to: »Keep Your Eye on the Planet«
192 pages, hardcover, thread binding, 22 € incl. postage, ISBN: 978-3-97512-552-8, published by MaroVerlag.
Look inside the book by viewing the attached excerpt as a pdf file.