Khadija Arif
Riyadh
Summary
Textile artist with a Master of Fine Arts in Textile Design and 6+ years of experience in fabric manipulation, embroidery, weaving, dyeing, and surface design. Skilled in blending traditional techniques with contemporary methods, I’ve led workshops and mentored emerging artists at Hafez Projects, while curating collections for events like the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale. My work, featured in Canvas Magazine and Arab News, emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and cultural richness. Proven success in creating textiles that enhance brand identity, and push artistic boundaries. Passionate about fostering creativity and advancing the field of textile art.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Textile Artist
War and Image Challenge (Art Project)
Riyadh
08.2024 - Current
- Developed and led an ongoing textile art project exploring themes of war, trauma, and healing through the use of fabric manipulation, embroidery, and dyeing techniques
- Designed and conceptualized art pieces symbolizing the physical and emotional scars of war, using fabric manipulation to evoke imagery of bullet wounds, wounds from conflict, and the remnants of survival
- Encouraged collaboration and peer feedback, fostering a community of artists working within the themes of war, healing, and memory
- Developed 3 art pieces to achieve the visual of concept
Textile Artist Mentor
Hafez Projects
Riyadh
12.2023 - 10.2024
- Provided expert mentorship to emerging textile artists, helping them develop both their technical and conceptual skills in fabric manipulation, embroidery, weaving, dyeing, and surface design
- Designed and delivered tailored workshops on various textile art techniques, including hand-weaving, screen printing, felting, natural dyeing, Silk printing
- Offered personalized guidance on project development, helping mentees refine their ideas, select materials, and create cohesive bodies of work
- Conducted one-on-one critiques to provide constructive feedback on design, composition, and craftsmanship, fostering artistic growth
- Guided mentees in understanding the intersections of textile art with other disciplines, encouraging interdisciplinary experimentation (e.g., sculpture, fashion, or installation)
- Created a nurturing, creative space that encouraged risk-taking, artistic expression, and exploration of new materials and techniques
- Fostered an environment of critical thinking and problem-solving, helping mentees overcome creative blocks and technical challenges
- Mentored 20 emerging textile artists, with 9 mentees participating in prestigious textile art exhibitions
- Helped mentees explore sustainable and ethical practices in textile arts, leading to 3 projects focused on eco-friendly materials and practices
- Fostered long-term relationships with mentees, many of whom have gone on to build strong careers in textile art
Freelance Textile Artist
Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale
Riyadh
12.2023 - 05.2024
- Curated and experimented with a variety of natural and synthetic fibers to achieve the desired aesthetic, texture, and durability for each collection
- Conducted in-depth research into traditional textile techniques and incorporated cultural influences while pushing boundaries in contemporary design
- Developed prototypes of textile pieces, experimenting with new methods to create modern interpretations of age-old techniques
- Worked closely with product developers and manufacturers to ensure seamless integration of hand-crafted elements into exclusive collections
- Successfully launched a collection that merges traditional techniques like hand-weaving and batik with digital printing methods, resulting in a unique line that gained attention
- Consistently received positive feedback from clients and collaborators for creating textiles that are visually captivating, highly functional, and culturally rich
Freelance Textile Designer
Sun Culture
Riyadh
06.2023 - 12.2023
- Create original illustrations and textile patterns tailored for resort wear collections
- Develop and execute detailed designs, including prints, embroidery, and embellishments, aligning with brand vision and seasonal trends
- Conduct research on trends, fabrics, colors, and techniques to inspire innovative design concepts
- Successfully designed 10 resort wear collections featuring unique prints, patterns, and embellishments, leading to a 30% increase in client sales
- Developed a signature embroidery style that was featured in Hia fashion magazines, enhancing brand recognition
Residency
Ministry of Culture
12.2022 - 02.2023
Education
Masters of Fine Arts - Textile Design
University of the Punjab
01.2021
Bachelor of Design - Textile Design
National College of Business Administration and Economics
01.2019
Diploma in Textile Design -
University of the Punjab
01.2014
Skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Color theory
- Fabric dyeing
- Weaving
- Fabric treatments and finishes
- Photoshoot
- Pattern making
- Fabric printing
- Embroidery
Workshop Experience
- Natural Dye Workshop, Islamic Biennale, KSA, 2023
- Digital Textile Workshop, Superior University, Pakistan, 2020
- Basic Weaving Workshop, STEPS College, Pakistan, 2019
- Rivers of Life, British Arts Council, Pakistan, 2015
Awards
- Gold Medalist in MFA Textile, PU, Pakistan
- Dean's Honor Roll Award in MFA Textile, PU, Pakistan
- Distinction in Bachelor of Design, NCA, Pakistan
- Jury member in textile design exhibition, Superior University, Pakistan
Publications
- Awareness Campaign of Trypophobia, AFAQ Pakistan, 2021
- Hool, Intermix catalog, 2023
- Canvas Magazine, 2023
- Arab News, 2023
Exhibitions
- Fiber Art Exhibition, Pak, 2022, Anna Molka Gallery
- Fiber Art Exhibition, Pak, 2021, University of Punjab
- Artsy New York, 2020, Online Display
- 3rd International Conference on Sustainable Textiles, Pakistan, 2019
- Al Hamra Arts Council, Pak, 2019, solo
Timeline
Freelance Textile Artist
War and Image Challenge (Art Project)
08.2024 - Current
Textile Artist Mentor
Hafez Projects
12.2023 - 10.2024
Freelance Textile Artist
Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale
12.2023 - 05.2024
Freelance Textile Designer
Sun Culture
06.2023 - 12.2023
Residency
Ministry of Culture
12.2022 - 02.2023
Masters of Fine Arts - Textile Design
University of the Punjab
Bachelor of Design - Textile Design
National College of Business Administration and Economics
Diploma in Textile Design -
University of the Punjab
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