Hoori Handmade: An Exhibition of Embroidery, Story and Survival | 7–8 October 2026 | Mahlab, Sydney

We were delighted to present Hoori Handmade: An Exhibition of Embroidery, Story and Survival at Mahlab in Sydney, in collaboration with Mahlab and Corban & Blair. The two-evening exhibition brought together traditional Afghan embroidery, craftsmanship and personal stories, highlighting the creativity and experiences of Afghan women living under Taliban restrictions.

The exhibition featured hand-embroidered artworks created by women artisans in Afghanistan, each carrying the skills, cultural heritage and personal stories of its maker. Through their embroidery, these women continue to preserve traditional craftsmanship while earning an income, supporting their families and working towards greater independence.

Over two evenings, visitors explored the artworks, connected with the stories behind them and joined meaningful conversations about the realities Afghan women face. The exhibition demonstrated how traditional craftsmanship can become a source of economic opportunity while connecting women in Afghanistan with audiences around the world.

For Hoori Handmade, this exhibition was an opportunity not only to share the women's creativity and stories, but also to turn awareness into practical support through the purchase of their work.

We are deeply grateful to Bobbi Mahlab AM and the Mahlab team for hosting the exhibition, and to Gillian Corban and the Corban & Blair team for their generosity, creativity and ongoing support. Special thanks to Louise Bickle for generously contributing her time, expertise and care to help plan and coordinate the exhibition. We also thank everyone who contributed behind the scenes, attended, purchased artworks and helped make these two evenings possible.

The exhibition took place on 7–8 October 2026 at Mahlab, Haymarket, Sydney.