Keep your eye on the planet

Englischer Text zu Keep Your Eye
This gallery book in 3 languages 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 or pair of eyes, from the embroidery programme »Guldusi« in Afghanistan, in a textile work of art interpreting issues facing our planet.
Among the 45 works chosen by the jury, many addressed political, human or ecological issues, a special focus was on pollution or biodiversity in the ocean. Poetically or provocatively, attention was drawn to the animal world and species extinction. In other the planet’s flora and its connection to our sustenance was the issue. 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«und »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. Whether emotionally or practically, realistic or utopian: the artworks depict the varied and complex problems facing our planet and encourage us to take action to save it. 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«
The gallery book is written and edited by Pascale Goldenberg. Since 2004 she has headed the embroidery programme »Guldusi« in Laghmani, about 70 km north of Kabul (Afghanistan). Through the programme roughly 200 women earn their livelihood. The Jury for this exhibit included Elsbeth Nusser-Lampe (D), Gabi Mett (D) and Hilde van Schaardenburg (NL).