CREES Exhibition. Threading the Needle: Vestiges of Colonialism and Femininity, an installation by Gluklya

Gluklya’s work is a powerful example of socially engaged art at the intersections of gender, class, and cultural identity. By focusing on experiences of female textile workers in Kyrgyzstan, the artist explores the often-overlooked stories of women affected by Soviet and post-Soviet colonialism. "Threading the Needle: Vestiges of Colonialism and Femininity" retells their stories using a diverse range of media — film, sculpture, watercolors, and felt tapestries. Unfolding the implications of economic and societal pressures on women, Gluklya explores issues of poverty, isolation, and exploitation among the garment workers.

Personal stories are woven into a broader social context — such as the legacy of the "Likbez" (liquidation of illiteracy) campaign among women in Central Asia during Soviet rule and entrenched patriarchal traditions, like "Ala Kachuu" (bride-kidnapping). This dynamic — where colonization and modernization intertwine the individual lives they touch — raises questions about cultural identity and the ethical borders of decolonized research.

This exhibition was curated by CREES alumna Dianne Beal (BA REES '79). See more of her work here: https://www.diannebeal.com/curatorial.

If there is anything we can do to make this event accessible to you, please contact us at crees@umich.edu. Please be aware that advance notice is necessary as some accommodations may require more time for the university to arrange.