Layla A. Darwish

The Threads of Our Roots

Layla’s woven textile series explores the complexities of identity, heritage, and belonging through material, symbolism, and cultural reference. Using naturally dyed wool, deadstock yarn, and scrap gold thread, she creates three woven textiles, each representing herself and her two brothers. These pieces visually embody their shared yet individually nuanced cultural backgrounds, drawn from Bahraini, Filipino, Persian, and Spanish ancestry.

Her practice is rooted in exploring the idea of hybridity—how identities are not fixed but fluid, shaped by personal histories and cultural intersections. Each textile incorporates specific elements from the siblings’ diverse heritages: the vibrant textures drawn from Igorot weaving in the Philippines, the intricate geometric motifs and turquoise hues of Persian art, the bold patterns and embroidery inspired by Bahraini naqda embroidery and the bisht, and the delicate lace reflecting Spanish tradition. These cultural references are thoughtfully woven together, creating a dialogue between tradition and contemporary expression, where each sibling carries their heritage in different ways.

Beyond representing ethnicity, the works are deeply personal acts of reclaiming and celebrating roots that have sometimes been a source of misunderstanding or concealment. Her textiles invite viewers to consider the strength and richness of mixed heritage, encouraging a celebration of hybridity, individuality, and unity simultaneously. By transforming cultural memory into tangible form, Layla creates harmony from complexity — a proud, intentional act of embracing and honouring the intricate beauty of mixed identity.