During this Yap & Yarn evening—inspired by the British tradition of people gathering to chat (yap) while knitting, crocheting, or embroidering (yarn)—we combine meaningful conversation with the calm and focus of handicrafts.
Yap
Textiles are more than just utilitarian objects: they can be soft and cuddly, yet at the same time convey power, protest, and friction. Under the guidance of moderator Eva Verboon, textile artists Marcos Kueh and Mina Abouzahra will discuss this paradox: how something you most want to touch can, at the same time, be abrasive and confrontational.
Yarn
While Kueh and Abouzahra are talking, you—as a visitor—aren’t just a spectator. With needle and thread in hand, you listen, contribute your thoughts, and process what’s being said, stitch by stitch. Don’t have your own craft project on hand? No problem—we’ll provide embroidery starter kits that evening so everyone can join in.
Mina Abouzahra
Born in the Netherlands to Moroccan parents, Mina Abouzahra grew up immersed in two cultures. While studying at the Hout- en Meubileringscollege, she spent some time in Morocco, where she was introduced to the traditions of her parents’ homeland and the craftsmanship that continues to inspire her to this day. Since 2013, Mina has run a design studio with locations in both Amsterdam and Morocco. In Taznakht, Morocco, she collaborates with a women’s weaving cooperative. Her designs are characterized by a fusion of cultures, raw materials, dynamic colors, and the blend of the modern and the traditional. She celebrates cultural heritage and empowers women artisans and their communities through fair business practices. A unique signature that embodies everything Mina loves. Her work has been included in various museum collections, and in 2022 she won a Dutch Creativity Award and a European Design Award.
Marcos Kueh
Marcos Kueh is a textile artist from the Malaysian part of Borneo who currently lives and works in the Netherlands. In his work, he uses textiles to visually express everyday stories that are meaningful to him. He does so in a way reminiscent of how Borneo’s ancestors depicted their dreams and legends before writing was introduced from the West. In many of his artistic projects, he explores how his country is perceived—from colonial descriptions in anthropological museums around the world to the marketing language in tourist advertisements—and contrasts these with his own experiences as someone from a small town in Borneo. These diverse perspectives form the basis of his worldview and his contribution to social discussions. Beyond all the vibrant colors and entertaining images, Kueh’s works are a desperate plea to see one another as human beings. His work has been exhibited at venues including the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam and Museum Voorlinden in Wassenaar.
Eva Verboon
Eva is a freelance producer, host, and founder of the talk show and podcast series *Gitaren uit De Oost*. In her programs, she often focuses on creators with a social message, and her mission is to amplify voices that aren’t heard enough. In her show *Gitaren uit De Oost*, she speaks with musicians from different generations about their Indonesian roots and their music, allowing them to engage in conversation with one another and gain new perspectives on their own backgrounds. Eva lives in Utrecht, loves to dance to R&B, and conducts research on bicultural identity and music scenes.
This program is part of the “Interwoven Stories” project, which is linked to the exhibition *Threads of Our Dutch Slavery Past*. This exhibition will be on view from September 19 through October 25 at the Chocoladefabriek in Gouda.
Please note: This activity will not take place at Museum Gouda, but at the Chocoladefabriek, Klein Amerika 20, 2806 CA Gouda.
This program is partly in English. Translation will be provided if necessary.
Information
End: 21:00p.m.
