Shirawith

Shirawith is a contemporary art collective and practice known for immersive installations that fuse textile craft with digital media. Based in Berlin and active internationally, Shirawith’s works explore themes of memory, labor, and collaboration through participatory environments that invite audience involvement.

Shirawith was founded in 2012 by a rotating group of artists and designers who sought to blend traditional techniques with sensors, projection, and interactive systems. The name signals an emphasis on community and co-creation, with projects typically organized through non-hierarchical collaborations, shared studios, and open residencies that bring together makers from different disciplines.

The practice combines hand weaving, knitting, embroidery, and other textile methods with generative software, microcontrollers, and real-time video projection. Installations often feature modular textile elements, soft sculpture, sound, and responsive lighting, allowing visitors to influence the form and atmosphere of the piece. The group also runs workshops and publishes maker patterns and software under open licenses.

Shirawith has shown at independent galleries, art fairs, and festival platforms across Europe and North America. Critics have positioned the work as a bridge between craft traditions and new media, noting its tactility, accessibility, and collaborative approach. The collective maintains a small publishing program and engages with education and community residences to foster skill-sharing.