String figures — a thousand tethered knots between you and me Re:Repair Exhibition @barbicancentre 2022 String Figures was born from a desire to tether in physical form the ineffable nature of the love and connection we extend for others and ourselves. An exercise in making space for others, each photograph was crafted from conversations centred in practices of care, and ultimately materialised through “speculative fabulations” of string arrangements. Using 1000m of twine, and hand embroidery on each print, the materiality of string acts as a site of learning where and how we intersect and entangle with those around us. This collaborative and embodied approach to mending asks us to find joy in seeing and being seen, in moving slowly, in being uncertain and in sharing space. The project sprung from frustration with Barbican’s response to @barbicanstories. With the need to carefully approach issues of reparative justice, this provides a methodology for connecting authentically and restfully with others, allowing us to string together new figurations of the future. Thank you to @d0llych4n @hugo_skap @mikecalandra @internetprayer @ejatushaw @ablackhistoryofart (@alayoakinkugbe) for embarking on this journey of rest, empathy and intimacy.