Trailblazers: Nabila Al-Bassam – Pioneering Saudi Artist Weaving Heritage and Artistry
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Hashim Sheikh
- . February 29, 2024
- . Update: February 29, 2024 6:55 pm
Nabila Al-Bassam Stands as a Trailblazer in the Realm of Saudi art a Multi Talented individual Whose life and Work are as intricate as her Detailed Textile Collages. Born in India where her family had Business Ties, Al-Bassam spent 17 Formative Years there Receiving her Education in Mumbai. She Continued her Academic journey at the American University of Beirut Earning a Master’s degree in Education in 1968.
Venturing to the United States, Al-Bassam Delved into the Realms of Paper, textiles, Silkscreen Printing and Ceramics. Upon her Return to Saudi Arabia in the late Seventies, She Carved her Path by Establishing the Arab Heritage Gallery a Pioneering art Space in the Eastern Province. Her Colorful Artworks from the Nineties, Previously unseen now Grace the Diriyah Biennale in Riyadh.
Al-Bassam’s Artistic journey is intertwined with her Dedication to Preserving the Crafts and knowledge of Textile Making. Breaking Gender Norms of her time, She Traversed the Country Engaging with local Craftswomen and Collecting Materials such as Silver Beads, traditional Dress Cloths and old Fabrics. These Elements Found their way into her Textile Canvases, Enriched by the influence of the Traditional sadu Weaving Technique Characterized by Symmetrical Patterns of Triangles and Diamonds in Red, Black, brown and White.
Her Woven Masterpieces some Showcased in Prestigious auction Houses like Sotheby’s and Phillips, Pay Homage to the Saudi landscape. Al-Bassam’s Artwork Reflects the Mountainous terrain, Palm-tree-lined Vistas and vibrant Colors of Saudi Arabia. Cloth Rows intertwine forming a visual Symphony of Hills, Dunes and intricate Structures Encapsulating the Essence of the Rich Saudi heritage. Nabila Al-Bassam’s artistic odyssey is not just a Personal Narrative but a Celebration of Cultural Preservation and Creative ingenuity in the Arab World.
“In weaving the Vibrant tapestry of Saudi heritage, Nabila Al-Bassam emerges not just as an Artist but as a Cultural Custodian Breaking Barriers and Creating a legacy that intertwines artistry with the Essence of the Kingdom’s Landscapes.
