Early in 2006 I visited the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. I wandered down an administrative hallway that also functioned as an impromptu gallery for several artists-in-residence. I was immediately attracted to a group of paper pieces tacked along one wall. Unframed and raw, they beckoned me because they seemed more than mere craft. There was something mysterious, enchanting and downright "artful" about these pieces. As I looked more closely, I noticed the stitching. Paper stitched to paper in both symmetrical and asymmetrical designs. Watercolor-like washes (actually tea and coffee), stencils, wax, dyes and more, transported me into the artist's private world.

I peeked into the nearest studio and told the artist I liked her work. I didn't mean to stay beyond the compliment. But Anila invited me into her workspace and began to energetically describe both the processes and meaning behind her art. We exchanged business cards and I left to visit other galleries. But the images of her work stayed with me and, when I returned home, I emailed her and inquired whether she'd like to show her pieces at Forkgallery. She agreed, and within that same week a well-established gallery in Houston also offered her a show in the summer.

Forkgallery is proud to be one of the first commercial galleries to present Anila Quayyum Agha. Though many of the pieces are shown on this website, I encourage you to visit the gallery space in order to view up close the intricacies and tactile nature of these extraordinary works.

—TW