Stitched Narratives: A Tablecloth Collaboration of Portuguese Women of the Diaspora

The Embassy of Portugal
Washington, DC
April 19, 2024 – April 24, 2024

 
The project celebrates the Portuguese immigrant woman as the glue that binds the Portuguese diaspora; showcases the feminine role as preserver of culture, heritage, and language; and highlights the relationship between textiles, gender, opportunity, and emigration.  The tablecloth is both a means of uniting the dispersed diaspora communities, and a metaphorical invitation for America to share in the Portuguese passion for connection around a table of traditional food, often prepared by a woman’s hand. The Project was created in three months with the collaboration of over 30 women, including 22 designers, two quilters, multiple photographers, a book artist, and others. The project comprises a 44 x 110 inch stitched tablecloth,  a short film, and an art book.