Get hooked on traditional Palestinian embroidery

UAE-based artist Joanna Barakat is set to give a class on traditional stitching techniques. (Arab News)
Updated 20 September 2018
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Get hooked on traditional Palestinian embroidery

  • Joanna Barakat gives workshops on Palestinian embroidery
  • She talks about the significance and history of the craft

DUBAI: I just finished cross-stitching my first Gaza cypress tree motif, begun around the kitchen table of the UAE-based artist Joanna Barakat, who gives workshops on Palestinian embroidery, or tatreez. Next up: Motifs from Hebron, Ramallah and Jaffa.

Until I took her class, which she’ll be teaching at Tashkeel in Dubai next weekend, I hadn’t paid much attention to the stitches that adorn the region’s fabrics. Now, I read them like signposts for clues as to where they’re from.

Barakat, who was born in Jerusalem, begins with a talk on the history of tatreez, showing us photos from different regions before 1948 and passing around examples of her grandmother’s work.

We learn how embroidery was more elaborate for weddings, how women incorporated their environment in their work — Jaffa, for instance, has an orange motif — and how it reflected their status. Bedouin women stitched a blue hem on their dresses, adding red motifs if they remarried. “Each tribe had its own style and its own way of dressing to express their identity,” Barakat says.

The Nakba in 1948 almost killed off the tradition, as women lost access to the region’s textile factories. “Everybody was traumatized,” she says. “You had a good decade there where almost nothing came out.”

But their resilience resurfaced in their craft, earning them a living in refugee camps. “It became a symbol of resistance and empowerment.”

In that way, Barakat uses embroidery in her paintings: in one self-portrait, a needle punctures her chest on the canvas, “trying to stitch my own Palestinian identity into me,” she explains.

Her workshop may have stitched some of that into me as well. After giving us our own cross-stitch kits, with Aida fabric, green threads and cypress tree patterns, she shows us how to stitch, correcting us patiently as we go. As they might say in crochet class, I’m hooked.

Joanna Barakat’s workshops on Palestinian embroidery are at Tashkeel in Dubai on Sept. 29 and Dec. 8 for $73, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. with a one-hour break, lunch included. Email [email protected] for more information.


Italian sculptress Ariana Palmieri contemplates world’s cyclicity at Tuwaiq Sculpture 

Updated 20 January 2025
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Italian sculptress Ariana Palmieri contemplates world’s cyclicity at Tuwaiq Sculpture 

RIYADH: With the theme “Then and Now: Joy in the Struggle of Making,” the sixth edition of the Tuwaiq Sculpture symposium has brought together 30 sculpture artists from around the world.

Among them is Italian artist Ariana Palmieri, whose piece “Motion of Revolution” was inspired by the movement of the solar system around the sun. Depicting the inevitable cycles of birth and death, the work contemplates the notion that birth is conditioned by assured fatality. 

Adriana Palmieri at her Tuwaiq Sculpture symposium booth. (Instagram)

“It’s all about the circularity of life — you are born, you are a child, then you are an adolescent, then you grow older, and then you die. But your life will continue after this, and we give life to other things. So it’s more about how everything is connected and a circularity of life; as humans move within the planets, the planets are moving around the sun,” Palmieri told Arab News. 

Originally from Milan, Palmieri moved to Carrara, a town known worldwide for its white marble, to study sculpting. She graduated in 2023 and the 26-year-old is one of the youngest artists amongst the group at the symposium.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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She says it is an opportunity to learn and grow as an artist. 

“It’s like a dream. I didn't think they would choose me because I am so young,” she said. “The last edition was more about people that had experience. This edition, they tried to concentrate more (on) the artwork and the background of the artist,” she said. 

The finished works will be exhibited from Feb. 12-24 and moved to various locations across the city as part of Riyadh Art’s initiative to beautify the capital.

“Public art is the main thing that our sculptures can achieve because you can do big stuff and they will be like a journal in some way. I’m really, really happy that I can do something so big that will stay there so much longer than me,” she said. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Palmieri’s work is not merely a reflection of planetary movement but contemplates the existence of the human race and its role within a larger picture. Her work itself is a representation of this thought: As every human diminishes, remnants of them and their work on earth will be set in stone — waiting to be discovered by another. 

“I thought about nature a lot, and all of humanity. I hope at least that my art can get through this idea, to connect all the people,” she said.


Ian McDiarmid, Hideo Ishikawa to headline Middle East Film & Comic Con 2025

Updated 18 January 2025
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Ian McDiarmid, Hideo Ishikawa to headline Middle East Film & Comic Con 2025

DUBAI: Scottish actor and director Ian McDiarmid, known for his portrayal of Emperor Palpatine in the “Star Wars” saga, has been announced as the first confirmed celebrity guest for the Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) 2025.

The region’s largest pop culture event will take place from April 18 to 20, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

In addition to his role as the “Star Wars” saga, McDiarmid is also known for his performances in films such as “Sleepy Hollow” and “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” as well as his extensive work in theater, including his Olivier Award-winning role in “Faith Healer.”

Anime fans are also in for a treat with the announcement of Japan’s leading voice actor, Hideo Ishikawa, best known as the voice of Itachi Uchiha from “Naruto.”

His notable roles include Toyotomi Hideyoshi in “Samurai Warriors,” Kyo-ya Onizuka in “Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero,” Ray Penber and Hideki Ide in “Death Note,” and Squall Leonhart, Auron, and Cait Sith in the “Final Fantasy” series.

Loy Pinheiro, show director of MEFCC said in a statement: “MEFCC 2025 is set to be our most diverse and engaging event yet. From casual fans to devoted collectors, we’ve created an experience that celebrates every aspect of pop culture with something for everyone.”

The event is organized in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi.


Review: ‘Unstoppable’ is a predictable, feel-good outing

Updated 18 January 2025
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Review: ‘Unstoppable’ is a predictable, feel-good outing

  • Story of Anthony Robles, championship-winning wrestler born with one leg, makes for a satisfying biopic

LONDON: It is easy to forget that, sometimes, all you want from a movie is a healthy dose of good vibes — and few genres are better suited to that than the sports biopic.

The film “Unstoppable” tells the real-life story of Anthony Robles, an American wrestler who won the 125-pound (57 kg) US National college wrestling championship in 2011 despite being born with one leg.

Directed by William Goldenberg (a storied screenwriter and editor, making his directorial debut here), “Unstoppable” stars Jharrel Jerome (“Moonlight,” “When They See Us”) as Robles, with Jennifer Lopez as his mother Judy and Bobby Cannavale as his stepfather Rick.

‘Unstoppable’ is directed by William Goldenber. (Supplied)

Already a talented high-school wrestler, Robles misses out on his dream college scholarship, but opts instead to pay to attend Arizona State University and win a place on their feted wrestling team.

Despite dealing with Rick’s abusive behavior at home, Robles continues to win over his teammates. And, backed by his mom’s unending belief, and that of his high-school coach (played by Michael Pena), he proves himself not only worthy of his spot, but an athlete capable of performing on the national stage.

Here is the thing with sports movies (or the good ones, at least), you have to really lean into every single cliche and embrace all the heartstring-plucking tropes. Because, if you do — and if the film has a decent cast doing an earnest job — the payoff is worth it.

And so it is with “Unstoppable,” a movie that is as determined as its real-world protagonist. Sure, there are a few story beats that get teased and then dropped. Sure, the by-the-numbers buildup to the climactic showdown is beyond predictable.

But this movie has a stellar lead performance from Jerome (helped by absolutely seamless effects and stunt work, which sees Robles himself performing some of the wrestling sequences), and an immensely talented supporting cast.

Lopez, Cannavale and Pena are all great, but Don Cheadle also deserves his share of the plaudits for his turn as Robles’ college coach and mentor.

Is this the most sophisticated exploration of the world of collegiate wrestling? Nah. But is it a heartwarmingly decent movie that will make you feel good? Absolutely.


A celebration of Saudi Arabia’s artisanal heritage 

Updated 17 January 2025
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A celebration of Saudi Arabia’s artisanal heritage 

  • The Ministry of Culture has designated 2025 as The Year of Handicrafts. Here, Arab News highlights some of the Kingdom’s most significant traditional crafts 

Al-Khous 

While palm trees are famed for providing dates, which play such a significant role in traditional Khaleeji hospitality, the plants themselves are equally important in Arabic heritage. The tree trunks and leaves were commonly used to create temporary or permanent accommodation, and Al-Khous — the weaving of palm fronds — is one of the oldest regional handicrafts. Bedouins would use the technique to create baskets, bowls, mats, tablecloths, brooms, and bags to be carried by their camels. The palm leaves are dried out in the sun, then cut (to ensure all thorns are removed) and soaked before being dyed, if required, and then sewn together. It’s a painstaking process, that requires great attention to detail and a steady hand.  

Bisht  

This traditional long cloak, traditionally made from wool, was originally worn by Bedouins in winter, but is now an important part of the regional wardrobe for special occasions including weddings, graduations, and Eid. These days, most bishts are machine-made, and a high-quality, hand-tailored bisht is seen as something of a status symbol, having become the formal wear for politicians and other high-ranking individuals in the Gulf and beyond. 

Al-Ahsa, in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province is renowned for its bisht tailoring, and many of the products are known by the names of the families who have made them for generations, including the Al-Qattan, Al-Kharas, Al-Mahdi, and Al-Bagli. Each tailor has their own thread (zari) design. 

Speaking to Arab News a few years ago, one Al-Ahsa tailor, Abu Salem, said: “Black bishts with gold stitching are the most popular. In the early Nineties, new colors were introduced to the bisht market. Blue, grey and maroon are mostly worn by the younger generation. The older generation sticks to the traditional black, brown and cream.  

“Tailoring bishts is an art that requires accuracy and skill. The gold embroidery requires patience and takes many hours,” he continued. “Hand-making one of these bishts could take from 80 to 120 hours and four tailors, each with one specific task.” 

Sadu weaving 

This ancient tribal craft dates back centuries. Bedouin Sadu weavers would create tightly spun tent awnings, rugs and more in a variety of colored patterns for their tribes using dyed wool, hair or fur woven on a floor loom. These days, Sadu patterns are commonly seen on clothing and interior décor. Speaking to Arab News in 2021, Mohammed Khoja, founder of clothing brand Hindamme, said that Sadu and its range of patterns “reflects an element of storytelling because it says so much about the livelihoods of the early Arabs. It comes in many forms in various colors, so it’s incredibly inspiring. I knew that I wanted to reference it in my designs. I wanted to reflect its beauty in a more contemporary format.” 

Dr. Delayel Al-Qahtani, director of the studies and research department at Atharna, a social enterprise dedicated to Arabian culture and handicrafts, told Arab News: “Al-Sadu is a craft that requires innovative skills and a lot of effort, as the weaver has to work hard to transform the raw material into something new. It is an intricate craft that requires precise hand movements. The final product is always a beautiful design.”  

Henna tattooing 

The practice of applying henna — a reddish-brown dye made from dried, powdered leaves of the henna tree — to the body was recently added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List, thanks in large part to the efforts of Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission. Henna has been used to dye skin, hair and fingernails since for millennia, dating back at least to the time of the ancient Egyptians.  

A report from the Saudi Press Agency at the time henna was added to the UNESCO list stated: “Henna has great cultural significance in Saudi Arabia, with the art mastered by women and passed down through generations. It represents ‘joy and optimism’ and is a social tradition that strengthens community bonds.” 

Pottery 

Midianite pottery dating back more than 1,500 years has been discovered in northwestern Saudi Arabia, and it’s clear that pottery has a long and distinguished history in the Gulf in general. Cooking pots, cups and utensils are among the most common items crafted by traditional potters, and clay pots, especially, play a vital role in the region’s culinary heritage. As a recent Saudi Press Agency report stated: “The slow and even distribution of heat enhances the dishes cooked in (them), such as madhbi and mandi.” Local authorities in Jazan and other regions have been organizing workshops and courses to encourage the younger generation to keep this tradition alive. 

Sword and janbiya making 

The crafting of weaponry is another centuries-old skill that is being preserved in various areas of the Kingdom. The Najran region, in particular, is famed for producing some of the most stunning ornamental swords and janbiya (short, curved daggers). What were once necessities for desert tribesmen are now generally for decoration only, but the artistry required to produce them remains the same and is a source of great pride in the Kingdom and the wider Arabian Gulf. The daggers are generally “made from iron, with handles of animal horn, often adorned with silver or gold,” according to a recent SPA report. Carvings on the hilts and sheaths are often used to depict the owner’s tribal background. The finest examples can cost thousands of dollars. 


‘Dubai Bling’ season 3: A rollercoaster of drama, fashion and unfinished business 

Updated 17 January 2025
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‘Dubai Bling’ season 3: A rollercoaster of drama, fashion and unfinished business 

DUBAI: Here we go again. It’s season three of “Dubai Bling,” featuring jaw-dropping opulence from the extravagant lives of the rich and sort-of famous. And from the very first episode, the drama is ramped up with the kind of intriguing revelations that keep viewers hooked. 

The new season features returning cast members Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Mona Kattan, Ebraheem Al-Samadi, Safa and Fahad Siddiqui, Farhana Bodi, and Marwan Al-Awadhi (aka DJ Bliss) and his wife Danya Mohammed. Media personality Mahira Abdel Aziz and Iraqi singer and actress Jwana Karim are new faces, bringing fresh energy and conflict, particularly as the latter already has history with a couple of the regulars. 

One of this season’s standout moments is Safa’s quirky farewell party for her car. She also showcases her playful personality by bringing her daughters to her office and setting up a ball pit. Mother and daughters all wear coordinated outfits, complete with matching heels.  

Safa’s humor and charisma once again shine through, making her one of the most entertaining personalities on the show. 

This season also delves deeper into DJ Bliss and Mohammed’s journey to improve their marriage and wraps up a few long-running conflicts, including Khoury, Safa and Bodi’s ongoing tensions, and Adada and Karim’s years-long fight. Although it then leaves viewers hanging on a few other issues, so it’s safe to assume we’ll see a fourth season. 

Often, though, the show’s emotional arcs feel overly staged (even by reality TV’s standards). It’s not always clear that these people are really friends, rather than unconvincing actors playing friends. Al-Samadi’s hijacking of a pregnancy announcement, for example, seems wholly contrived in order to provoke a reaction. 

Visually, at least, the show remains stunning, showcasing high-end fashion, striking makeup, and sculpted hairstyles. Every frame is luxurious.  

Ultimately, “Dubai Bling” offers entertaining escapism. Fans will once again enjoy the glitzy aspirational glamor, but those seeking authenticity should look elsewhere.