Moroccan artist Aicha Abouhaj’s artwork “Hikayat” highlights the cultural connections between Qatar and Morocco, particularly focusing on endangered traditions like Qatari Sadu weaving and Moroccan Amazigh tattoos. The piece serves as a tribute to women’s stories and their cultural legacies, emphasizing the importance of preserving artistic heritage through collaboration and storytelling.
Aicha Abouhaj, a Moroccan artist, draws inspiration from cultural traditions that shape her identity. Her latest artwork, “Hikayat,” explores the connections between Qatar and Morocco, emphasizing the significance of preserving cultural heritage through art. The piece, measuring 100×80 cm and executed in acrylic on canvas, serves as a tribute to the stories women have expressed through ancient art forms over generations.
In her artwork, Abouhaj combines endangered traditions, specifically Qatari Sadu weaving and Moroccan Amazigh tattoos, which are transmitted from mother to daughter and are at risk of fading away. She noted, “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.”
Each symbol in “Hikayat” narrates a woman’s life story, encompassing her experiences, joys, and struggles. The term “Hikayat” itself references the Moroccan tradition of storytelling. According to Abouhaj, the intricate patterns of Sadu weaving and the potent symbols of Amazigh tattoos represent deeply personal forms of expression that honor women’s legacies.
The artwork fuses these two cultural elements, highlighting the strength and significance of women from both traditions. “The symbols are not just decorations; they are stories, memories, and emotions carried through generations,” she stated, emphasizing her mission to honor those who created these symbols and ensure their legacies persist in contemporary society.
Abouhaj’s live painting of “Hikayat” took place recently at the Gallery Five Home showroom in Doha. This event was part of her efforts to underline the role of art in preserving cultural heritage and transmitting these stories to future generations. “Through Hikayat, I want to emphasize the role of art in preserving heritage and transmitting the stories to future generations,” she remarked.
The collaboration between Qatari and Moroccan cultures has been a recurring theme in Abouhaj’s work. As part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, she collaborated on the Cubist Landscape project in Rabat, which featured three Qatari and three Moroccan artists creating mural installations that symbolize cultural fusion.
Abouhaj described this project as a celebration of collaboration, stating, “We shared ideas, learned from each other, and combined our traditions in a way that felt natural and meaningful.” Her artistic endeavors highlight the significance of preserving the cultural legacies of both nations, showing that cultural heritage actively shapes the future.
Aicha Abouhaj’s artwork embodies the essence of cultural preservation, merging Qatari and Moroccan traditions. Through “Hikayat,” she emphasizes the vital role of women’s stories in art and the need to safeguard heritage. Her collaboration with other artists further exemplifies the rich connections between the two cultures, showcasing that heritage is integral to shaping contemporary identity.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
