In October 2022, curator and artist Nour Hage moved from London to Dubai, drawn by the vibrant art scene and cultural opportunities in the UAE. She describes the decision as a “mutual choice” with her husband, both eager to be part of the exciting developments in the country’s art world. “As an Arab artist, I felt a strong desire and duty to contribute,” Hage shared, noting the significant role of arts and culture in the region.
Hage’s passion for celebrating Arab women’s contributions to art led her to focus on textile art, a medium traditionally seen as “craft” rather than fine art. Historically, textile work, often done by women, was confined to the domestic sphere and viewed as an activity for the home rather than an artistic practice.
With her latest project, ‘Women’s Work: From Craft to Fine Art,’ Hage aims to elevate the importance of textile art and showcase its cultural significance.
The exhibition aims to honor the evolution of textile art as a form of cultural storytelling. Hage explained, “Women have used textile work as a way of expressing themselves and passing down cultural identity and knowledge through generations.” The exhibition shines a spotlight on the work of Arab women artists who have helped redefine the medium, challenging the traditional perception of textile art as a mere domestic task.
One standout piece, ‘Village’ by Fatima Shnesheh, uses embroidery not just as decoration but as a means of preserving village life and history. Shnesheh’s intricate stitching documents everyday moments, ensuring that stories of village life are remembered for future generations. Hage notes, “Embroidery becomes a powerful tool for storytelling, capturing the essence of life in ways that traditional art forms might miss.”
The exhibition is held at BEEAH’s headquarters in Sharjah, housed in a striking Zaha Hadid-designed building. This space itself stands as a tribute to Arab female creativity and innovation. The exhibition, in collaboration with the Barjeel Art Foundation, features the work of 14 Arab artists, showcasing diverse talents from across Morocco, Tunisia, and beyond.
Another featured piece is ‘The Weaver’ by Bouchra Khalili, which draws a parallel between weaving and filmmaking. Khalili sees both as methods of storytelling that connect generations and preserve cultural wisdom. “Textile art has long been a way for women to pass down their knowledge and cultural identity,” Hage shared, emphasizing how the medium has often been undervalued despite its importance.
The shift of textile art from the domestic realm to the contemporary art gallery has not been without challenges. Hage explains that it has been difficult to find information on some of the older artists, particularly those from earlier times when textile work was undervalued. “Many women artists, especially those working with textiles, have been overlooked for a long time,” she said. Through ‘Women’s Work,’ Hage hopes to change that, both celebrating the art and documenting its often-marginalized history.
Hage’s dream for the exhibition goes beyond recognition; she hopes it will inspire a new generation of women to embrace these traditional techniques. “I want young women to see this work and understand where they fit in this legacy,” she explained. Her goal is to show young artists that they, too, can be part of this evolving art form and use it to tell their own stories.
Through ‘Women’s Work,’ Hage has opened a window into the world of textile art, encouraging viewers to rethink its place in the art world. As she put it, “We are documenting an incredible body of work, and each stitch, each thread, is part of a new legacy for future generations.” The exhibition is open to the public until January 16, 2025.
