Bahraini artist Huda Jamal is sharing her childhood memories and personal stories through her colourful artworks, aiming to shine a bright spotlight on the rich Arab heritage and identity.
Ms Jamal posts the images on social media and hopes her initiative would encourage other Arab creatives to stay true to their roots, even as the contemporary style ‘gains popularity in the kingdom’.
“Most of my pieces combine memories and traditional elements to tell a story or highlight Bahraini culture,” the 24-year-old old the GDN.
“My painting ‘Alsadou’, for example, depicts a group of women sitting together on an Arabian carpet. The rug is an essential piece of furniture in our homes, used under dining tables and seating areas. It works as a symbol of social connection, since many people use it to hold gatherings and mingle with others. By incorporating these details into my work, I hope to introduce my culture to a wider audience.”
‘Alsadou’
Arabian carpets date back to the seventh century BCE, and they were produced to cover traditional seats used by Arab countries in the middle ages. They are important traditions in Islamic culture as they serve as prayer rugs and are a common element for interior decoration in mosques, houses and commercial venues. Carpets are also mentioned several times in the Quran as a furniture element of paradise.
The full-time architect from Manama took to art as a child, painting and sketching whenever she could. She started pursuing it seriously in 2016 and has been showcasing her paintings on Instagram since 2020.
Ms Jamal
“In majority of my works, it is common to see women sitting together. I do this because it highlights my childhood memories as I was mainly around groups of women who wear the hijab,” she said, adding that it also depicts her strong relationship with her mother and two sisters.
She explained that it was important for her to share these ideas as she has noticed many artists ‘painting in a more western or contemporary style’.
“Although contemporary paintings are beautiful, it is important for Bahraini and Arab artists to stay true to their roots and highlight their identity for the world to see,” she said.
‘The Solitary Observer’
“While I was attending an exhibition in London, UK titled Through Their Eyes: Perspectives Unveiled, 2023, I noticed that Western artists enjoyed interacting with their Arab counterparts about their works that highlight their culture.
“Many of them admitted that they learned a lot about our countries through art, which is why I believe it is important to share our stories in a creative way.”
She tries to stick to one colour with different shadings because she believes using multiple colours can detract from the story.
‘My Last Wish’
“As you can see in ‘My Last Wish’ and ‘Alsadou’, I put more emphasis on the composition, instead of the colours, and use two to three colours or different shadings to intensify the subject.
“I use acrylic paint as I find it much easier and I can complete a painting faster than when using oil.”
Ms Jamal hopes to showcase her works at an exhibition some day. Until then, her works on social media will continue to highlight the authentic Arab traditions which she is immensely proud of.
Check out her artwork on Instagram @byhudajamal.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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