Vulnerability Tapestry

If you tell someone about your problems, your insecurities, and your troubles, you are extremely vulnerable. Exposing yourself like this may seem weak, but the others will see you as powerful and courageous. Vulnerability provides a feeling of relief and connection. But why is it so difficult for us? Do we feel like we are not enough? that we do not deserve love? Our society is based on a patriarchal system where human emotions and qualities are divided between "male" and "female". In this system, the "male" is always valued above the "feminine". Emotions that have nothing to do with genders, such as caring or assertiveness, are seen as "feminine" or "masculine" respectively. The "male" is powerful, and the "feminine" is weak. Vulnerability is seen as a “feminine" and therefore weak emotion, which we prefer to hide because we are ashamed of it. Why are we ashamed? As a society, we must ensure that vulnerability is seen as courageous rather than weak. Vulnerability ensures connection, healing, and relief. It is the best way to deal with shame, learn more about yourself, and get closer to the people around you. With this interactive tapestry, we have made our vulnerability tangible. We have touched hundreds of textures and weaved the ones together which represent the emotions we felt during the process of being vulnerable. We embroidered certain areas with conductive thread, and when you touch one of these areas you will hear an audio fragment. In the end, you will find a microphone to share your own vulnerable story if you feel inspired and add to this vulnerability "database". We take the lead and expose ourselves in this installation by sharing our most vulnerable moments. We challenge you to do the same, and by doing so create a movement that puts this concept in a new light. It is time for vulnerability.