Alexandra Karamallis is a New York-based textile designer who earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Rhode Island School of Design in 2010. Her Iranian heritage is a central theme of her work.Identifying as a member of the Baha’i Faith - an oppressed minority in Iran - she explores themes including the oppression of women, art and minority faiths within the context of oppressive authoritarian regimes.

Alexandra travels to Cape Town annually and has been captivated by the beauty of the land, vegetation, people and rich culture. She aims to draw attention to beauty in diversity, with particular emphasis on marginalized cultures, through the depiction of gardens, the juxtaposition of nature with architecture, and depictions of the land. She strives to make art that is at once thought provoking and joyful.

“If the flowers of a garden were all of one color, the effect would be monotonous to the eye; but if the colors are variegated, it is most pleasing and wonderful. The difference in adornment of color and capacity of reflection among the flowers gives the garden its beauty and charm. Therefore, although we are of different individualities, different in ideas and of various fragrances, let us strive like flowers of the same divine garden to live together in harmony. Even though each soul has its own individual perfume and color, all are reflecting the same light, all contributing fragrance to the same breeze which blows through the garden, all continuing to grow in complete harmony and accord.” -Abdu’l-Baha