Join artist Zaiba Khan in a mala-making workshop as part of The Social Studio's "Cross Stitch" craft series.

Beginning with a personal tour through Khan and Quishile Charan's exhibition 'Angna Mein' at West Space, participants will move next door to The Social Studio's workspace where Khan will guide them through the creation and symbolism of the mala or garland, threading together found materials and plant matter.

The mala exists as a cross-cultural, multi-faith, multi-material object. From stone and seed prayer beads, to floral garlands, to gold and silver necklaces. The mala can be worn, held and used as a tool, or placed at a site of mourning. The ephemeral mala is often made from homegrown plants and flowers, by the women of the house. There is ritual and intent to its threading, and as always the maker is responsible for the charge an object is given. An important step for Zaiba is the documentation of the mala, they are scanned and immortalised in great detail.

For Zaiba, the mala can be a mode for working through grief, used as a symbol of celebration, or as a way to think through something physically.

Participants are encouraged to bring a meaningful photo, object, or any significant materials they would like to incorporate into their malas.

Zaiba will document the pieces made on the day for participants.

Materials and light refreshments will be provided.

About the artist:

Zaiba Khan is a Muslim Indo-Fijian artist based in Narrm/Melbourne, Australia and born in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa/New Zealand. Khan’s practice is craft-based, engaging with object-making through gold and silversmithing, printmaking and textile. Khan seeks to translate the oral histories of her ancestors into visual language. Intricately detailed, labour intensive works are made using organic matter and sacred materials.

About Cross Stitch by The Social Studio:

This project aims to highlight the contemporary value of traditional hand making skills across cultures and traditions, bringing artists and participants together to share knowledge and stories. Run over 12 months, Cross Stitch by The Social Studio will culminate in a group showcase celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of contemporary craft practices across Melbourne's multicultural communities.

This event is supported by The Australia Council and West Space.

Accessibility info:

The Social Studio and West Space Gallery are located within the Perry Street Building of Collingwood Yards, Upper Ground Level (Level UG). Floor access to the Perry Street Building can be made via the following paths. From 30A Perry Street, a footpath leads to the retail area of Perry St (UG) and courtyard. Take the Perry Street lift to Level 1 which can be accessed via 30A and 30B Perry Street. From Johnston Street access to Perry St Building can be made by crossing the courtyard.

Wheelchair Accessibility:

Wheelchair accessible best via the elevator of Perry Street Building.

Gender neutral and accessible bathrooms:

Located in three areas within the Perry Street Building. On the Upper Ground Level (Level UG) the accessible toilets are located in the service corridor in the northern part of the Building. near the staircase. These toilets are open throughout event hours. On Level 1 and Level 2 the toilets are located in the northern part of the building, behind heavy manual blue double doors. All accessible toilets are equipped with manual locks, exit buttons and grab rails.

Accessible Parking/Drop-off Areas:

An accessible parking bay is available for use by holders of a Disabled Persons permit. It is located near entrance 35C Johnston Street.

Public Transport:

The Collingwood Yards Precinct is close to Stop 19 at the corner of Smith Street/Johnston Street on the 86 tram line. Only some Trams on this route are serviced by a mix of low floor and high floor trams. Read more at the PTV site here. The number 200 and 207 Bus' also stop directly over the road from Collingwood Yards.

Guide Dogs/Service Dogs:

Guide dogs and service dogs are welcome throughout Collingwood Yards at all times.

For more information see here!

Plan your visit here!

Image Credit: Janelle Low