Roda Medhat

Artist Roda Medhat shares how the importance of heritage influences his work.

How would you describe your profession and your practice?

My work is textile as sculpture, exploring the various ways traditional West Asian and Kurdish textile designs can be translated on to other materials. The research behind the work heavily relies on themes of cultural preservation, archiving, and imagined spaces.

Has your work changed over the course of your career?

My work has always explored the same themes and subject matter, but what has changed is the variety of materials I explore to tell the narrative.

What was your “eureka!” moment that made you realize that art/design was the route you wanted to take?

I think for most artists there is no singular moment, but a series of moments and experiences rooted in their practice.

‘Marital Rug’ by Roda Medhat
Is your work inspired by anything in particular? What turns you on creatively?

My work is inspired by my Kurdish heritage and the desire to explore and archive the history of my culture.

Which designers or artists inspire you and why?

I am inspired by the crafts people throughout West Asia who have created incredible woven art throughout centuries but have remained nameless in their craft.

What is the name of the DesignTO Project you’re exhibiting in, and what is the name of the piece you are showing?

My ‘Marital Rug’ will be shown as part of ‘REVIVE’ at Harbourfront Centre.

I will also be showing work in the group exhibition ‘The Shape I’m In‘ curated by Nathan Heuvingh. This exhibition explores the dynamic interplay between colour, geometric forms and abstraction within spatial environments.

‘Marital Rug’ by Roda Medhat
What can attendees expect to experience when seeing your work?

The work is a reimagining and translation of traditional West Asian and Kurdish textiles into lights. The form and colour play of the lights creates a unique sensory moment for the viewer that can only be experienced through in-person viewing.

How long have you been involved with DesignTO?

This will be my first year participating in DesignTO.

As DesignTO gets ready to celebrate its 15th birthday, why do you think it’s important to the creative community, here as well as abroad?

The role of the arts has functioned to support communities, tell stories, and enrich our collective history – that’s why it’s important to celebrate and continue to support initiatives like DesignTO.


REVIVE’ and ‘The Shape I’m In are just two of over 100 free window installations, exhibitions and events at the 2025 DesignTO Festival, January 24 – February 2, 2025. Visit the Festival Schedule to learn about these projects and more.