Colombian artist Martha Helena Arango showcased her photo embroidery artwork during the Embassy of Colombia’s National Day Reception in Singapore, highlighting Colombian creativity, traditional craftsmanship, and contemporary artistic expression.
In an interview with IN Diplomacy Editor-in-Chief Ms Nomita Dhar, Colombian artist Martha Helena Arango shared her experience of exhibiting her photo embroidery works during the Embassy of Colombia’s National Day Reception in Singapore. Her participation formed part of the Embassy’s initiative to showcase Colombian entrepreneurs and artists while promoting Colombian culture and creativity through the official national celebration.
The exhibition took place alongside Colombia’s National Day Reception, where the Embassy of Colombia invited Colombian entrepreneurs and creatives residing in Singapore to present their work to members of the diplomatic community, business representatives, and invited guests. Among the participating exhibitors was Martha, who is originally from Bogotá and relocated to Singapore two years ago following her husband’s work assignment, after previously living in Mexico City for six years.
Photo Credit: Martha Helena Arango
Martha presented a collection of embroidered photographs, an artistic practice she developed during the COVID-19 pandemic while living in Mexico. Combining her longstanding interest in photography with hand embroidery, her work explored the relationship between visual memories and traditional textile techniques. Although embroidery had long been part of her family’s heritage, she began practising the craft through specialised workshops before developing her own artistic approach.
Photo Credit: Martha Helena Arango
According to Martha, photo embroidery combines two complementary disciplines by transforming photographs through hand-stitched details that add texture, colour, and depth. She noted that while photography captures a single moment, embroidery introduces a deliberate and time-intensive creative process, resulting in individually crafted pieces.
As part of the National Day programme, Martha said she welcomed the opportunity to introduce her work to a wider audience and to demonstrate how a traditional craft could be interpreted through contemporary artistic expression. During the reception, she engaged with visitors by explaining her creative process and the stories behind selected works, while highlighting the craftsmanship involved in producing each embroidered photograph.
The exhibition also reflected the Embassy’s efforts to promote Colombian culture, creativity, and entrepreneurship within Singapore’s multicultural environment. By incorporating works from Colombian artists and entrepreneurs into the official National Day programme, the event provided an additional platform for cultural exchange and public engagement alongside the diplomatic celebration.
Source: IN Diplomacy Reporter
