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TOAST artist-in-residence Liaqat Rasul gives ‘rewilding’ a new spin


5 October 2021

The maker aims to open minds with his work for the lifestyle brand’s Creative Residency


5 October 2021

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  • Liaqat Rasul, in his London studio. Photo: Nishant Shukla

Artist Liaqat Rasul is taking an unusual approach to the concept of ‘Rewilding’ for the TOAST Creative Residency this month, asking, what would it mean to rewild our minds?

‘The psychological approach to rewilding is important,’ says the London-based collage and textile artist, who is the TOAST artist in residence this year. ‘The environment shouldn't just be a topic that you talk about at a dinner party. It should be real, you should be living it, and I'd love this work to generate that kind of discussion.’


  • 'Think,' by Liaqat Rasul

  • 'Togetherness,' by Liaqat Rasul

Liaqat’s work for the TOAST Creative Residency is set to be his largest work to date and forms part of a three-day series of talks, workshops and live demonstrations on the theme of ‘Rewilding’, which will be hosted online and in-person at the Crafts Council Gallery (21 October to 23 October). Taking the form of a mobile and presented inside the gallery, the artwork will include an abstract face motif, alongside the numbers one to twelve, reflecting the passing of time. It will also incorporate interactive components: some will give the viewer an opportunity to actually contribute to the work, and others will enable them to learn more about rewilding projects through podcasts and articles.


  • Rasul assembles his collages from found materials. Photo: Nishant Shukla

  • 'Notebook,' by Liaqat Rasul

‘I want there to be an educational and interactive element, because it's not just about what happens in that space at that time, it's about what happens outside that space when they leave,’ adds the artist. Rasul began working with collage after leaving behind a career in fashion. Today his work draws on his background in textiles, as well as the techniques, colours and patterns of India – where he spent time studying and working – while exploring the concept of multiculturalism.

To create his collages, he uses the ephemera of everyday life, from egg boxes and wood to envelopes and plastic, melding them together with colourful illustrative details. For his TOAST installation, his colour palette will take cues from the ‘Rewilding’ theme, which underpins both the brand’s residency and latest collection. ‘Liaqat’s hanging mobile will explore the symbols and literature that support rewilding, acting almost as an educational piece,’ says Ruth Smith, Marketing Executive at TOAST. ‘We loved the energy of his work. It celebrates community spirit, togetherness and perseverance. The sense of hope is palpable in the vibrancy of his colours. We felt his creative approach to turning waste into a valuable resource was a unique interpretation of the concept.’


  • The artist combines shapes and colours with illustrative details in his work. Photo: Nishant Shukla

  • 'Present', by Liaqat Rasul

The artist’s suspended, kinetic piece also reflects the push and pull of nature and the balance of opposites – an equilibrium explored in the TOAST collection and the Creative Residency. ‘A starting point for the design team was in response to the lack of control we have all been experiencing with recent events and being compelled to rethink our relationship with our environment,’ adds Smith. As part of the TOAST Creative Residency, Rasul will reveal more about the work – and his creative process – in a conversation with Annabelle Campbell, the Crafts Council’s Curator of Creative Partnerships and Programmes, at 6.30pm on 23 October at the Crafts Council Gallery (book your ticket).

The programme is open to all and aims to connect individuals and foster thought. Highlights include a mindful whittling workshop with Barn the Spoon, needle tufting with Maria Sigma, and a conversation led by author and speaker Katie Treggiden on the benefits of collaborating with nature in design. You can also drop in during the three-day programme to see a wildflower installation by renowned floral artist, Frida Kim, a curated edit of pieces from the Crafts Council Collection and TOAST New Makers, and watch Liaqat Rasul at work.

Find out more about the TOAST Creative Residency and book tickets to events today.


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