Exhibition ‘R3’ by Sara Ouhaddou

Sara Ouhaddou explores Islamic geometric patterns through a series of ceramic plates.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and ruler of Sharjah, the Cultural Affairs Department at the Sharjah Department of Culture has organised the 20th Edition of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival.

The exhibition titled 'R3' is on view at the Sharjah Art Museum as part of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival 2017/18.

Sara Ouhaddou explains the installation to Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi at the opening of the Festival / Photo Â© Islamic Arts Magazine

Sara Ouhaddou / Photo Â© Islamic Arts Magazine

Sara Ouhaddou explores Islamic geometric patterns through a series of ceramic plates. She explains, "My work aims to explore the relationship between the crafts traditions of the Arab world and the global contemporary art. My purpose is to widen the debate regarding the role of traditional arts and crafts in Arab culture today. Artistic trends, in architecture and design are exposed to a broad spectrum of influences both local and external. But how do global influences and constraints accommodate local needs? How are these processes of adaptation linked to questions of cultural identity?

All my work is a research of a specific question; I have a name for it: the proper place. It consists in building a bridge between the universal and the particular, and try to fit in with contemporary forms. In order to carry out a rewriting of specific Moroccan identities within the modern context, I focus on local history and cultural heritage. Natural materials and handmade techniques are mostly linked to their geographical context. I have established five workshops in five different locations, each one has its specificity. Weavers in the Morocco High Atlas and in Tangier, ceramists in the Ourika region, embroiderers in Tetuan and jewellers in Tiznit."

Born in France in a traditional Moroccan family, Sara Ouhaddou dual culture informs her practice as a continuous dialogue. She began her career as a designer for fashion brands including LancÃ´me, but it has developed towards a social practice, addressing the diverse challenges facing the artisan craftsmen community in Morocco.

The 20th edition of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival (SIAF) opened on December 13, 2017 and runs through January 23, 2018. Many exhibitions and large scale installations are on view at the Sharjah Art Museum, and at other venues such as Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Awqaf Department, Al Qasba, Maraya Art Centre, and Calligraphy Square.