ARTIST

Salomée Souag


STATEMENT

As an immigrant and woman of color myself, this project feels very personal to me. I want to truly communicate the idea of entering a new world, a new dimension almost, and learning to adapt to a new culture, lifestyle, language. Beyond that, I also want to visualize both giving and taking which is represented through the water. We must work together as a community in this world, we must learn to depend on each other, normalize asking for help when needed, but also learn to give back for our loved ones. It's a powerful cycle of care and love. The art feels unafraid, and purposefully loud to make the immigrant and refugee community feel heard and seen. I created a blanket I wish me and my family would have had when arriving in this new world, a colorful story that celebrates our journey and sacrifice. I believe design can change the world, using design for good. That can be one wall at a time, one design at a time, one canvas at a time, one blanket at a time, and inspiring one human at a time.

For each blanket purchased, 3 are donated to IRCO

Woven Blanket - 100% Cotton
54” x 70”


$150.00 + Shipping


WELCOME BLANKETS


بطانيات الترحيب

CHIẾC KHĂN CHÀO ĐÓN
ПРИВЕТСТВЕННЫЕ ОДЕЯЛА
Couvertures de Bienvenue

ВІТАЛЬНІ КОВДРИ


OVERVIEW

We partnered with 8 artists from around the world to create a series of custom woven blankets featuring artwork based on the theme of ONE HUMANITY : ALL ARE WELCOME. For every blanket purchased, 3 were donated to IRCO to use as a gift of welcome to immigrants and refugees when first arriving in Portland. These blankets provide hope, encouragement, and a sense of equality and belonging to our new neighbors. The artwork for these blankets has come from both near and far to represent the beauty and richness we gain by living in community and learning from people of all different backgrounds, customs and cultures.



Welcome Blankets have been made possible in part by a grant from the Regional Arts and Culture Council




© Graphic Arts Center

Portland, OR, USA
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GAC Zine Library is supported in part by
the Regional Arts & Culture Council