Women Behind The Weave

Women Behind the Weave: From Bauhaus to Bosphorus

 "Women Behind the Weave" showcases 14 woven artworks, created by individual women weavers from the Kilim workshop in Usak. Rather than following a pre-set design, these artisans were encouraged to implement their own creativity in the production of their flatweave pieces. Using surplus yarn from the workshop, each weaver was commissioned to create a unique 1 m² artwork.

Historically, weaving has predominantly been a craft of women in rural villages. Typically working from home, they are compensated per piece, without any assurances of permanent income or employment. Such a system exposes weavers to exploitation, resulting in a significant decline in their numbers as many seek alternative professions.

Ahmet Diler, founder and director of Kirkit, aims to revolutionise this standard. Kirkit’s workshop employs its weavers on fixed working hours, provides a lunch break, and assures both a pension plan and access to medical care - all within a renovated Ottoman building. In addition to the 23 weavers, the expert team comprises a fourth-generation master dyer and a production manager with extensive knowledge in weaving and materials. Since its inception in 2021, Kirkit has been inundated with applications for weaving.

Wild Heart Free Soul advocates for this business model, which aims to preserve the millennia-old knowledge of traditional carpet making for future generations.

Following the successful exhibition at Wild Heart Free Soul, the works are now available for purchase. The proceeds will benefit the weavers.

The unique woven kilim pieces are attached to linen and stretched on stretcher bars, making them easy to hang like a picture frame with a nail.

Currently, we do not offer shipping for the artworks; they must be picked up directly at our Wild Heart Free Soul Showroom in Berlin.