Crafts in Conversation: A Convergence Between Traditional and Contemporary Art

“The act of making is an act of thinking. Craftsmanship in contemporary art reveals the intricate relationship between the artist’s hands and their ideas.” – El Anatsui, Ghanaian sculptor.

Craftsmanship is not merely about making; it is about the dialogue between the maker and the material, creating meaning from the ordinary, a conversation that contemporary artists continue to explore. The Crafts in Conversation exhibition features a curated selection of contemporary and historical Islamic art and craft from Ithra’s permanent collection, highlighting the work of ten contemporary artists who practice traditional craft.
 
“Reimagination” is the concept of the exhibition with an intent to explore the intersection of contemporary and traditional Islamic arts and crafts. In every handcrafted object lies the essence of its maker’s identity, combining culture, tradition and personal experience. The focus will be on the creative process and the value of “making,” utilizing traditional materials/methods to create modern works. We will explore how traditional Islamic crafts has shaped and influenced the artists' work, while juxtaposing similar contemporary and historic pieces.

The contemporary artists featured in this exhibition use age-old crafts as a source of artistic inspiration, employing traditional techniques which have been passed down across generations. Responding to today’s world, they adapt these methods to convey different meanings, creating works that reflect their unique ideas and identities. The continuity of skill and its application in practical as well as aesthetically pleasing ways ensures that craft stays alive and relevant today while constantly being reinvented in new and creative forms.  

Artistry in Tradition

Saudi contemporary artist Aisha Khalid's Water Seeks the Thirsty is a tapestry inspired by the sacred sites of Islam in Saudi Arabia such as the Ka’ba, the Prophet's Masjid, and the Zamzam Well. The piece is made from layers of velvet embellished with steel and gold-plated pins, that, along with the vibrant colors — black, green and blue — stir up the profound and spiritual emotions she associates with these holy sites. 

The calligraphic scroll of Chinese contemporary artist Haji Noor Deen Mi Guangjiang Basmala, merges Chinese script with kufic-inspired Arabic elements to produce a modern form of Sini script. In contrast, a hand-written Qur’anic manuscript from 19th century China is displayed alongside his scroll. This fusion reflects a vibrant dialogue between cultures, showcasing the interplay of language as a form of art and the power of cultural exchange.

Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, the colorful wall-painting artform that defines the cultural identity of Asir houses, is the highlight of Saudi artist Fatima Abou Gahas’s contemporary work. This spontaneous painting technique, primarily practiced by women, transforms interior walls, particularly in guest rooms, into vibrant expressions of community and heritage. Each symbol and line carry unique meanings, telling personal and collective stories, making every piece a celebration of tradition and unity. 

Mona Saudi's Homage to Mahmoud Darwish I & VII, created in the 1970s, showcase the deep connection between art and poetry. The simple outlines of her prints are inspired by nature and reflect the elegance of her sculptural work. After a heart-felt conversation with Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish, Saudi incorporated lines from two of his poems into her original drawings. Originally planned as a birthday present for Darwish in March 2009, the prints became a touching tribute following his death in 2008, highlighting his legacy as a voice of exile and resilience in 20th-century Arabic poetry. 

The Crafts in Conversation exhibition will show in Gallery 1 and forms part of a crafts theme which will run throughout Ithra’s museum galleries and the 2024 Islamic Art Conference: A Reassessment of Contemporary Islamic Arts and Craft Practices. The centrepiece of this craft theme will be the Gallery 3 exhibit In Praise of the Artisan, a celebration of master craftsmen from around the globe. Ithra’s conference and exhibition displays will focus on the significance of centuries old Islamic crafts traditions which continue to this day, despite the effects of industrialization, as part of a new international revival.