This delicate textile piece depicts a double-headed elephant, which looks backwards to the past and forwards to the future. The choice of animal alludes to the French phrase ‘Le Fordeau de la Memoire’ embroidered above it, which translates as ‘the burden of memory, as the elephant ‘never forgets’. Beneath it, the phrase ‘Poached By the Past’ is also embroidered.

Anthony Stevens primarily uses recycled material in his work including scrap fabrics. As a practising Buddhist he follows the philosophy that ‘nothing is wasted’ or beyond repair.

I chose this piece as I immediately identified with the French language as a French woman. I’m also drawn to the artists ideas around using his art as a form of trauma therapy.