Orejen

Evoking the phonetic pronunciation, Orejen tells a well-woven story of genuine craft, care and beauty by way of the nomadic artists that first forged them in the only way they knew how—through didactic experience and cultural technique. Paying homage to these early innovators are ‘Black Artists and Designers Guild’ members: Malene Barnett, Rayman Boozer, Linda Hayslett, Erin Shakoor, and Beth Diana Smith, who looked to East Africa, South-East Asia and the Pacific Islands as their muse. Locales that are deeply revered for their textile traditions, commitment to craft, magnetism through color, and material prowess. Orejen is anchored by three cultural artisan forms intrinsic to these regions: braiding, woodworking and beading.