Rede: Language, Knots, and Connection (2026)

Rede: Language, Knots, and Connection was developed in collaboration with Jiyoon Lee and Brazilian artist Erika Malzoni. Inspired by the Portuguese word rede, meaning hammock, fishing net, and social network, the workshop invited participants to explore connection, care, and community through collaborative art-making.

The first workshop took place in the painting studio at Teachers College, where participants gathered around a growing network of cotton thread and bamboo. As they tied knots, they shared stories, learned different knot-tying techniques, and reflected on the ways relationships are formed through collective action and cultural knowledge. The artwork evolved through each participant’s contribution, becoming a visual representation of interconnectedness.

A few days later, we were invited to facilitate the workshop again as part of The Listening Tables event on Columbia University’s campus. During this event, participants often joined us for a few minutes during their lunch break, adding a knot or strand to the growing installation before continuing on their way. Others stayed much longer, engaging in conversation and contributing multiple connections to the piece. Across both events, the artwork served as a space for dialogue, collaboration, and community-building, demonstrating how individual actions can contribute to a larger network of care and belonging.

This workshop was funded by the Diversity, Community, and Social Justice Committee’s Micro-Grant at Teachers College, Columbia University. In collaboration with Jiyoon Lee, I co-organized and facilitated this community-based art-making experience with Brazilian artist Erika Malzoni as our teaching artists.