**Please note that after registering, you will receive two separate emails: one with your registration confirmation, and another with the Zoom link for the presenter’s session. *Be sure to check your spam folder!

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Atameen: The Art of Preservation

Atameen is a folk art form with various names in the Middle East. However, what doesn’t differ across the region is the purpose and mode of learning. Women come together to decorate pieces of clothing for a woman to wear to weddings, ceremonies, and sometimes just to be worn at home. These clothes, often dresses, are decorated with motifs to depict where that woman is from, what her family does, what she hopes to be, and what her home is surrounded by. All of these motifs, specific to region, are cross-stitched on the fabric causing the clothing to become a piece of history and a form of story-telling. Usually women from the family come together to cross-stitch causing the time they spend together to be a documentation of history too. These clothes prove that at one point in history women came together, they spoke, laughed, shared stories, many gossiped too. But importantly they existed. They were people too.

Systems of oppression constantly challenge the existence of this medium by targeting the same entity that keeps it alive. The priorities of the older women shift causing a disruption in learning but by teaching everyone from all ages we work together to alleviate the damages of the same systems that impacted our communities. Passing this craft to you means keeping it alive so you too may teach someone else; So we too can replicate the pattern of inheritance freeing it from the damages of war.

*This session will regroup from later in the day from 3:15pm to 3:30pm for a follow up and closing.*

Supplies to Bring:

• Cotton embroidery floss (in your choice of colors)
• Aida cloth (14, 16, or 18 count)
• Cross-stitch needle (size 24 recommended)

Fatimah Al Dulaimee

Born in Babylon Iraq and raised in Rochester NY, I am a multimedia and fiber artist working with photography, sound installations, video work, and cross-stitching.

In 2023, I created an untitled tote with the casing made entirely out of polaroids capturing elements from my home and family. This work led me to focus more on conveying elements from my own memories as a motif of preserving my story and upbringings despite my immigration to the states.

By translating my memories into physical and auditory work I aim to create my intangible recollection into tangible work. By creating public work out of my own memories I invite the viewer to both connect and question their relationship to my childhood. To analyze the connection between the beholder of the memory and the listener and the impact of this relationship on the authenticity of memories.

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Risk Waiver & Photo Release

By participating in the ARTs + Change Virtual Conference, I acknowledge and assume responsibility for any inherent risks, including but not limited to technical issues (e.g., internet disruptions, data loss), privacy concerns (e.g., unauthorized sharing or recording), or physical injury (e.g., from movement-based workshops). I understand that the University of Rochester and its representatives are not liable unless due to gross negligence or willful misconduct. My participation is voluntary.

Additionally, I consent to the use of my image or name if my camera is on during the virtual event. If I prefer not to be included in archived footage, I may turn off my camera or use an alternate display name.