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Abundance & Scarcity

January 01, 2024 in 2024

The "Abundance & Scarcity" project, presented at the Diriyah Biennale 2024, links environmental sustainability with cultural heritage into a cultural shelter on two scales: a social shelter in form of an outdoor shading canopy and a personal shelter in form of a "Bishty" wearable. The project embodies an artistic approach to addressing the extremes of desert climates while honoring the traditions of nomadic cultures, including those of Saudi Arabian tribes and contemporary nomads and refugees. The 70-meter-large outdoor canopy, situated on an outdoor area of the Biennale, is crafted from recycled felt used as architectural upholstery of the previous Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah. Based on the dimensions of the Saudi Arabian Bisht, a traditional cloak made from goat wool and camel hair, this modular textile system forms a shading structure that is both functional and visually captivating. The canopy's design, featuring laser-cut patterns, plays with light and shadow to create a dynamic visual effect reminiscent of Sadu weaving. This effect is enhanced by the gentle sway of the fabrics in the desert wind. This structure is not only a nod to the ingenious constructions of nomadic shelters but also incorporates sewn-in sachets of native desert plants, adding a layer of sensory experience through their refreshing scents.

Hallucinating Traditions

January 01, 2024 in 2024

Hallucinating Traditions explores the intersection of AI, fashion, and cultural identity through animated portraits of Azra Akšamija wearing speculative headgear designs. Using a diverse dataset of Akšamija's face and historical costume references, advanced AI software was trained to generate morphing portraits that blend elements from various traditions and eras. The fluid transitions challenge viewers to reconsider notions of identity and tradition, while the AI-generated designs offer a glimpse into a future where technology shapes personal adornment and cultural expression. The project represents a meditation on the role of technology in shaping our understanding of self and cultural traditions. The portraits act as "cultural prototypes," inviting contemplation of the shifting ideals, values, and aesthetics that define our past, present, and future.

Bishty

January 01, 2024 in 2024

Inspired by the nomadic Bisht cloak, Bishty is a modular textile system that represents adaptable textile shelters for climate resilience.

Flocking

January 01, 2024 in 2024

Inspired by the geometric motifs of Islamic art, the piece consists of modular felt carpet that can be transformed into slippers, accommodating both religious and secular functions.

Spectacles of the Sacred

January 01, 2024 in 2024

This installation transforms ordinary anaglyph 3D glasses into stained-glass-like windows. By repurposing these familiar consumer items, the project explores the intersection of the mundane and the divine, inviting viewers to perceive the sacred in unexpected places.

Coring

January 01, 2024 in 2024

Coring is a textile art installation that critiques the global consumerist economy and its impact on the Earth as a sanctuary. Through the stacked T-shirts resembling core samples, the project explores the textile industry's role as one of the most lucrative and polluting industries today.