Carried Forward by Toronto-based artist Karen Pe’er reflects on Yemenite Jewish traditions, transforming memory, loss, and heritage into living acts of resilience and continuity. Through intricate works inspired by her father’s community, Pe’er explores what it means to inherit a culture shaped by displacement yet kept alive through remembrance and reinvention. Each piece is an act of preservation and renewal, ensuring that ancestral stories continue to be carried forward.

​Artist Bio:

Karen Pe’er (she/her) is a Toronto-based visual artist, mother, and recent graduate from OCAD University. Her work is deeply rooted in her cultural heritage and her experiences as a member of the Jewish diaspora. Pe’er’s practice explores the complexities of home, displacement, and identity. She confronts the painful legacies of her ancestry, delving into the personal and collective history of the Yemenite Jewish community. By acknowledging the difficult truths, she reclaims these narratives, honours the resilience of her people, and brings their stories out of silence, preserving cultural memory and ensuring these stories continue to evolve across generations.