Tashkeel selected Natalya Konforti as the artist-in-residence of the First Solo Residencies programme 2022. The residency started in 10 November 2022 and will run until 10 January 2023.

Launched in 2021, the First Solo Residencies programme offers Tashkeel members the opportunity to undertake a short-term, self-directed residency at Tashkeel’s House 10 in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. The culmination of the residency is marked with a public outcome, exhibition, or work-in-progress.

During her residency, Natalya Konforti developed a new body of work informed by research and experimentation as well as collective stitching sessions held weekly in the courtyard of the house.

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Natalya Konforti is a designer, artist and cultural programme facilitator with a degree in Fashion Design from ESMOD International. A decade in the garment industry cultivated her response to colour palettes, a fascination with patterns as well as a deep appreciation for textile craftsmanship. Her process-driven, introspective practice is grounded in what we leave behind; channelling themes of memory, community and sustainability. Through a variety of mixed mediums including photography, paint and textile, her work pays homage to a meaningful technique, material or location.

Natalya has participated in exhibitions at Tashkeel, RAKFAF, Alserkal Avenue, DIFC Art Nights and World Art Dubai. She runs several non-profit community initiatives and is a contributor to cultural entities such as Jameel Arts Centre, Sharjah House of Wisdom, Dubai Design Week and Sharjah Art Foundation. Her work has been featured in numerous publications including The National, Khaleejesque, Friday Magazine, Arab News and Uppercase Magazine. Her writing has appeared in Pop Sugar ME and Xstitch magazine. She has been awarded a cultural Golden Visa by Dubai Culture and was named one of 12 UAE environmental thought leaders by Livehealthy.

Natalya lives in Dubai and works from her Tashkeel studio in the Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood of the city.