Until recently, traditional Central Asian clothing changed little or not at all. The ubiquitous outer robe (called chapan, khalat or don) was worn by by nomadic and settled people of all ages and both genders, and the most widely used fabrics were multi-colored handwoven stripes called bekasab or alacha. From the latter part of the 19th century onwards, inexpensive Russian cotton became very popular, while velvets and ikats were used by those who could afford them. Many were padded with cotton batting and lined with local handwoven cotton or brightly-patterned factory-produced fabric, much of it imported from Russian mills. The edges were commonly finished with decorative trimming that was intended to ward off evil spirits.
Culture Ireland and The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon present Isabel Nolan’s commission for the Irish Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition — La Biennale di Venezia running until Sunday 22 November 2026.
Acknowledging the crucial role artists play in influencing and shaping other artistic practices, The Artist’s Eye series asks those exhibiting in Gallery 1 to invite an artist of influence to present work in Gallery 2. In this instalment, Edith Karlson has invited artist Olivia Normile.
This winter, The Douglas Hyde is delighted to present Well, well, well, the first solo exhibition in Ireland by Edith Karlson. Her practice has established her as one of the most compelling sculptural voices in Europe today, following her acclaimed presentation representing Estonia at the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia in […]
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