Iterarte

EARTH ON THEIR HANDS, 2025, Terra sigillata, underglaze, glaze and gold luster on quartz tile, triptych, courtesy Galerist and the artist. Like Turkey itself—a land that has long served as a bridge between Asia and Europe—Elif Uras's work embodies both the richness and the inherent tensions of existing between worlds. Her practice navigates the complex equilibrium of identity, power, and cultural heritage that has defined this geography through millennia.

In an age of digital impermanence, where identities are increasingly shaped by ephemeral social media posts and fleeting online interactions, some artists are turning to humanity's most ancient materials to explore who we are. Clay and textile—materials that have traced human civilization for millennia—are experiencing a renaissance as powerful mediums for exploring contemporary identity. Afsoon, Family Portraits (2025) and Animal Spirits (2025), exhibition view.

In this episode of ARTEculations by ITERARTE, we are joined by Palestinian artist Majd Abdel Hamid, who delves into themes of trauma, memory, and lived experience through his intricate textile works. Majd shares his accidental journey into the arts, the intersection between mathematics and art, and how he employs traditional craft techniques to address contemporary realities.

Family Portraits series commissioned for Material Witnesses at the ACG/Demos Center The ACG/Demos Center, 17 Ipitou St., Plaka, Athens, 105 57 Monday 14 July- Thursday 31 July  | Monday 1 September- Saturday 27 September Opening Hours: Monday- Friday, 15:00-19:00, Saturday, 12:00-18:00 Curated by Tamara Chalabi Afsoon (b.1961, Tehran) is an Iranian artist based in London who blends Eastern and Western influences through a diverse multi-disciplinary practice.

Installation view of Lydia Delikoura works at "Material Witnesses" at the ACG, Athens. Courtesy of the artist.

Iliodora Margellos, Hope (Field of Poppies), 2024. Embroidery, 70 x 90 cm.

Tancredi Di Carcaci, Siren, 2025. Stoneware ceramic. Courtesy of the artist.

Untitled works commissioned for Material Witnesses at the ACG/Demos Center The ACG/Demos Center, 17 Ipitou St., Plaka, Athens, 105 57 Monday 14 July- Thursday 31 July  | Monday 1 September- Saturday 27 September Opening Hours: Monday- Friday, 15:00-19:00, Saturday, 12:00-18:00 Curated by Tamara Chalabi Majd Abdel Hamid is a Palestinian visual artist based between Beirut and Paris.

In this episode of Articulations by ITERARTE, Laura Egerton converses with Tamara Chalabi about her co-curated exhibition 'Beneath the Gaze of the Palms' hosted in Riyadh during the Common Grounds Festival in December 2024. The art show, which explores themes of identity, heritage, nature, and migration, features works from both Saudi and Iraqi artists.

Michael Parekowhai, pipiwharauroa clock, 2024. Paky Vlassopoulou, a day after a day after a day after a day, 2023-ongoing The passing of time governs us all, it dictates the way we approach decisions we make in our lives, how we record our memories, learn about our planet, the way we tell stories.