The Burden I - Head Piece (2021)

Esna Su is a textiles artist and former jewellery designer. She explores the complex issues of how identity and memory are irrevocably changed during political instability. Su’s work is deeply personal, connected both to her own family history and its geographic location in the south of Turkey near the Syrian border. She uses traditional Turkish weaving techniques such as crochet, twining and needlework, using vegetable tanned leather to create artworks that are both sculptures and wearable pieces.

The Burden by Esna Su is based on the struggle of Syrian refugees who have been forced to abandon their homes and flee conflict. Of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees in Turkey, many ended up in Su’s hometown of Antioch. Observing them, she reflected on how their lives had become isolated from their homes yet filled with the hope of returning. Vegetable tanned leather is the chosen material as it closely resembles skin, establishing a connection to the body. Su moulds the knitted leather cords around a collection of cherished objects to create the unique shape of each piece. The indentations serve as a reminder of a life left behind, an invisible yet burdensome reminder of their past.

Migration is a very important theme that Bradford Museums and Galleries addresses through its collections and displays. Bradford has a long history of migration, with diverse communities having travelled there from all over the world. It is important that the collection reflects this diversity through the contemporary works collected. Esna Su’s piece will work well alongside those currently on display by Salima Hashmi, Yinka Shonibare and Sylvat Aziz, creating dialogue and further stories. The aim is for visitors to reflect on the difficulties that some of their neighbours have had to endure in order to call Bradford their home. This piece is particularly personal, offering a chance for the visitors to relate and become emotionally invested in it. To facilitate this, The Burden will be used in outreach and engagement workshops.

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