Bahraini artist Marwa Ahmed recently launched her latest collection of beaded creations, paying tribute to the kingdom’s indigenous architecture.
Asl, which translates to ‘origin’, ‘roots’, or ‘authenticity’, was born out of a desire to bridge the gap between heritage preservation and contemporary conceptual art.
The two-piece ensemble features brooches that bring alive a traditional Bahraini window commonly seen in old-style buildings, and the iconic Bab Al Bahrain at Manama Suq.
The meticulously fashioned pieces reflect powerful detailing like the wood-crafted window, which is fitted with stained glass. The choice of beads and intricate patterns reflects an aesthetic eye and special skill.
“The idea came from a desire to rewrite the narrative of how we consume our culture,” Ms Ahmed from Budaiya told the GDN.
“Indigenous Bahraini architecture is inherently organic, living, and deeply rooted in its environment. With Asl, I wanted to take these warm, structural principles and transform them into tactile narratives. The goal was to bridge the gap between heritage preservation and contemporary conceptual art, turning architectural elements into wearable heirlooms,” she added.
