Moroccan artist Aicha Abouhaj’s ‘Hikayat’ artwork celebrates the cultural connections between Qatar and Morocco, focusing on women’s role in storytelling traditions. The piece blends Qatari Sadu weaving and Moroccan Amazigh tattoos, emphasizing the importance of preserving these endangered practices. Through her art, Abouhaj aims to honor female heritage and advocate for cultural preservation, particularly during collaborative projects celebrating cultural ties.
In her latest artwork entitled ‘Hikayat’, Moroccan artist Aicha Abouhaj seeks to celebrate the cultural ties between Qatar and Morocco. This acrylic on canvas piece, measuring 100×80 cm, stands as a testament to the rich traditions that shape her identity. Abouhaj emphasizes the significance of preserving cultural heritage, particularly through women’s storytelling traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Abouhaj articulates that ‘Hikayat’ interlaces the endangered practices of Qatari Sadu weaving and Moroccan Amazigh tattoos. “Hikayat brings together the endangered traditions of Qatari Sadu weaving and Moroccan Amazigh tattoos, two practices that are passed down from mother to daughter and are facing the risk of disappearing,” she remarked. Each symbol depicted within her artwork tells a personal story of a woman’s life, encapsulating her joys and struggles.
The intricacy of the Sadu patterns, typically woven by Qatari women, and the profound symbols of Amazigh tattoos worn by Moroccan women convey personal experiences. Abouhaj honors this cultural legacy in her painting by merging these two traditions into a cohesive visual narrative, which underscores the importance and strength of women in both cultures.
Abouhaj continues, “The symbols are not just decorations; they are stories, memories, and emotions carried through generations.” Through this work, she pays tribute to the women who created and sustained these symbols, aiming to celebrate their talents and the legacies they preserve. Abouhaj aspires to highlight the role of art as a vessel for heritage, bridging past and future through storytelling.
Recently, she performed a live painting demonstration of ‘Hikayat’ at the Gallery Five Home showroom, showcasing her distinct approach to art. The artist is no stranger to collaborative projects merging Qatari and Moroccan influences, having participated in the Cubist Landscape project as part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture. This initiative brought together artists to create murals that symbolize the fusion of these cultures.
Abouhaj shares that “The project was all about collaboration.” Throughout this initiative, ideas were exchanged, allowing for a meaningful blend of traditions that reflect their shared cultural heritage. Through her artistic endeavors, Abouhaj actively emphasizes the necessity of preserving the cultural legacies of both Morocco and Qatar, demonstrating that these traditions are integral to shaping the future.
Aicha Abouhaj’s ‘Hikayat’ art piece embodies the vital connections between Qatari and Moroccan cultures through women’s storytelling traditions. By combining the practices of Sadu weaving and Amazigh tattoos, she honors both her heritage and the stories of women. Through projects like ‘Hikayat’, Abouhaj advocates for the preservation of cultural identity, illustrating the role of art in shaping future generations.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
