Moroccan artist Aicha Abouhaj presents “Hikayat,” an artwork that celebrates the intertwined cultural heritage of Qatar and Morocco. The piece combines Qatari Sadu weaving and Moroccan Amazigh tattoos, emphasizing the importance of preserving women’s stories through art. Abouhaj aims to highlight women’s roles in cultural narratives while fostering collaboration between the two nations.
Aicha Abouhaj, a Moroccan artist, draws inspiration from cultural traditions that have defined her identity through her latest artwork titled “Hikayat.” This piece explores the cultural ties between Qatar and Morocco, emphasizing the necessity of preserving these heritages via art. Abouhaj’s work, which measures 100×80 cm and is created with acrylic on canvas, serves not merely as a visual element but rather as a homage to women’s stories transmitted through ancient art forms across generations.
In her commentary, Abouhaj highlights that “Hikayat” amalgamates the threatened traditions of Qatari Sadu weaving and Moroccan Amazigh tattoos. These artistic practices, historically passed down from mothers to daughters, are at risk of fading away. Each symbol within her piece encapsulates a woman’s narrative—her memories, joys, and challenges—reflecting the significance of storytelling in Moroccan culture.
The detailed patterns of Sadu weaving, traditionally practiced by Qatari women, are fused with the powerful Amazigh tattoo symbols worn by Moroccan women in Abouhaj’s composition. This artwork honors both legacies and serves as a reminder of women’s strength and significance in these cultures. According to Abouhaj, “The symbols are not just decorations; they are stories, memories, and emotions carried through generations.”
Abouhaj affirms her objective with “Hikayat” is to underscore the role of art in safeguarding heritage and transmitting these influential stories to future generations. She recently showcased a live demonstration of this artwork during the inauguration of Gallery Five Home at Giardino Mall, The Pearl. This event reaffirmed the importance of cultural expression through artistic endeavors.
Abouhaj’s collaboration with Qatari artists is ongoing, especially noted during the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture. She previously participated in the Cubist Landscape project alongside Qatari artist Mubarak Al Thani. This initiative involved teamwork among three Qatari and three Moroccan artists, who collectively created mural installations that celebrate the blend of their cultures. “The project was all about collaboration,” she remarked, highlighting the shared cultural bonds that not only connect them as artists but also as individuals with a common heritage.
Aicha Abouhaj’s “Hikayat” exemplifies the essential role of art in preserving cultural heritage and storytelling traditions shared by Qatar and Morocco. Through her artwork, she champions the importance of women’s narratives, weaving together historical symbols into a cohesive message of empowerment and connection. Abouhaj’s continuous endeavor to bridge these cultures through art reflects a promising commitment to keeping these rich legacies alive for future generations.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
