Zahra Husain

The research emerges as a response to how traditional Bahraini crafts can be preserved and reimagined within the contemporary global context. 

Acting as a visual timeline of Bahrain’s past, the work features elements from its Dilmun history to the present day, merging traditional craft techniques with contemporary methods. Motifs from excavated ancient seals that depict old Bahraini life, Arabic calligraphy, and palm leaf weaving are reinterpreted through digital embroidery and bio-material experimentation. 

The work stands as a testament to the power of material research as a tool for cultural expression and preservation, creating a living dialogue between the past and the present. By experimenting with locally sourced materials, reinterpreting traditional techniques, embracing contemporary technologies, and most importantly, connecting to heritage and cultural identity, the work creates a space that preserves traditional knowledge, cultural stories, and community practices.