The King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra) is hosting Crafts in Conversation: A Convergence Between Traditional and Contemporary Art, a group exhibition featuring a selection of contemporary and historical Islamic art and craft from the Centre’s permanent collection. Part of the Year of Handicrafts, the Ministry of Culture’s initiative, the showcase presents works by ten contemporary artists who practice traditional crafts. Curated by Kumail Muhammed Almusaly (Ithra’s Curator of Travelling Exhibitions), the show will run through 31 January 2025.
With reimagining tradition as its main theme, the exhibition focuses on the creative process and the value of craftsmanship, employing traditional materials and techniques to make modern art. It also examines how Islamic crafts have influenced the featured artists and juxtaposes contemporary works with historical pieces to explore this interplay.
The participating artists take cues from ancient crafts, using techniques passed down through generations. By adapting these methods to address contemporary themes, they create art pieces that reflect their unique perspectives and identities.
Among the artworks on view is Water Seeks the Thirsty by Saudi artist Aisha Khalid, a tapestry inspired by the sacred sites of Islam in Saudi Arabia: the Kaaba, the Prophet’s Masjid, and the Zamzam Well. Crafted from layers of velvet adorned with steel and gold-plated pins, the vivid colours of the work evoke the deep emotions Khalid associates with these holy places.
Another notable piece is Basmala, a calligraphic scroll by Chinese artist Haji Noor Deen Mi Guangjiang. This artwork combines Chinese calligraphy with kufic-inspired Arabic elements, forming a contemporary version of Sini script. Displayed alongside it is a 19th-century handwritten Qur’anic manuscript from China, which illustrates a rich dialogue between cultures and the intersection of language and art.
The exhibits include an Al-Qatt Al-Asiri piece by Saudi artist Fatima Abou Gahas (1920–2010). Al-Qatt Al-Asiri is a vibrant wall-painting tradition that reflects the cultural identity of Asir homes. Typically crafted by women, these intricate designs transform interior walls into expressive narratives of community and heritage, with each line and symbol carrying unique meanings.
Jordanian artist Mona Saudi (1945–2022) is represented by works from her Homage to Mahmoud Darwish series. These silkscreen prints, accented with watercolour and handwritten excerpts of Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish’s poetry, showcase simple, nature-inspired outlines that echo the elegance of Saudi’s sculptural art.
Other featured artists include Algerian artist Rachid Koraïchi, German-Egyptian visual artist Susan Hefuna, Yemeni artist Sara Abdu, Lebanese artist Carla Salem, and Saudi artists Dana Awartani and Nasser Al Salem. Together, their art pieces celebrate the enduring dialogue between tradition and modernity, bridging the past and present through the lens of Islamic art and craftsmanship.
To get more information about Crafts in Conversation: A Convergence Between Traditional and Contemporary Art, please visit the official web page of the exhibition.
You might also be interested in attending Reflections & Inspirations from Emirati Heritage, a collective exhibition at the Sharjah Heritage Museum. Besides, we would recommend that you read our article about three sustainable Middle Eastern female designers who take cues from the region’s culture.
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