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Amidst all the exciting concerts and community events taking place at Le Patio 340 this summer, another artistic endeavour is taking place that will last for months beyond the summer. The patio, which is a part of the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain, has commissioned an art installation by Maryam Bagheri, a recent graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Master of Fine Arts program, that showcases her woven art in a celebration of the community space on the wired fence outside.
“It’s weaving, but in a different way,” Bagheri explains, highlighting the collaboration between her and the CCFM on the design and colours of the installation.
While weaving practices from Persian backgrounds such as the type that Bagheri works in are not the norm for outdoor installations, she points out that the nature of her work adds a different dimension to the outdoor space. “When we talk about public art, we think about painting, structures that are made out of glass, metal, or concrete which are usually in structural constructive materials,” she says. “I think weaving can change the perception of us when we are outside, going out to visit each other. When we see a form of art or public art is being made by using soft materials... it makes us feel more comfortable.”
Patrons at Le Patio 340 have grown comfortable with Bagheri’s presence over the past number of weeks as she continues to work on the installation, which will feature the name of the patio alongside geometric designs. While she admits her French is not as good as her English, Bagheri has been speaking with the people who have been frequenting the patio this summer as she creates her piece.
“Sometimes there are kids there,” she says, “so I try to talk to them, and also I sometimes ask them to come and weave with me, so this is like an interactive work as well for them to touch the new material, weave, have a new experience.” “The place is very energetic,” she adds of Le Patio 340’s inspiring aura. “The music is there when I’m working, which is amazing. They’re all together for me to create a space for me to enjoy my time while I’m weaving.”
Bagheri hopes that the piece is able to last at least two years on the fence around Le Patio 340. Winnipeggers can enjoy Bagheri’s work when they visit Le Patio 340 for their summer events that will continue throughout the month of August. More details on that summer programming can be found at the patio’s website or social media.