Artist Bio
Caren Garfen, born and living in London, England, is an artist specialising in textiles, meticulous hand stitching, and intensive research. When these facets are combined, the artworks become discourses relating to issues that affect us as a society.
Caren seeks out objects, such as vintage optical lenses, pre-loved toys, dolls house accessories, key fobs, and domestic ware, which when positioned alongside the stitched cloth, become potent devices.
The use of cloth, its tactility and familiarity within our lives, makes it the perfect tool for engagement. Textiles, the use of the tiniest of stiches, and carefully chosen objects, draw in the viewer to reveal unexpected narratives within the artworks.
Over the years Caren has created works relating to the domestic, women’s issues, gender stereotyping, dieting, and eating disorders. Since 2019, she has been researching the Holocaust, and examining the shattering rise in global antisemitism in the 21st century.
Caren has established an international reputation for her accessible yet challenging issue-based art. Her work has been exhibited widely in the UK and Europe, as well as in Japan, USA, Canada, and Australia, and can be found in public and private collections.