‘Saduing’ with waste to create unique art
Sadu is integral part of my identity: Bader
is more to Bader AlMansour than art. He is an artist who nurtures a deep interest in history and heritage craft and seeks to reinterpret the same through recycled material. On Nov 26, Kuwait Textile Art Association under the auspices of Sadu House held a presentation titled ‘Saduing’ by Bader Al-Mansour, where he sought to explain his research on history and culture followed by an introduction to his exhibition rooted in Sadu.
“From the time he was a child Bader had a fascination with the way things were put together and loved tinkering with everything around his house,” said Dr Linda Fouke, President of Kuwait Textile Association in her introduction to the artist who showed an interest in recycled art even as a child.
A bright student who majored in Physics, Bader turned his analytic and scientific mind to designing sets, decoration and architecture and creating backdrops for special events. An interior designer, Al-Mansour is the only artist in the Gulf who has specialized in the art of recycling since 1994. He has participated in many exhibitions both in and out of Kuwait and has won several awards.
One of his most ambitious project is the creative designing of the Yarmouk Park using reused and recycled material. “Bader says he does not plan his work out with a sketch or a draft,” noted Linda. “He just sees things and then starts making them.” And this easy creativity is noticeable in his timeless designs rooted in sustainability. From tables made from reclaimed wood with spindles for legs, to sadu rugs made of tires, his creations not only aim at eliminating waste by using them to manufacture household goods by hand, they are also quirky conversation pieces that engage and entertain.
While sharing his research findings on connected cultures in the old World, Bader warned, “All that I am going to say is my own opinion, you may or may not agree with it.” The warning was justified as he proceeded to connect civilizations in the Middle East with indigenous cultures in North and South America.
Research
The basis of his research findings is shared material culture and language. “The first language was created in old Iraq, when man turned to drawing as a means of visual communication. These drawings, which evolved into signs, was comprehensible to all.” This language of signs or symbols formed an international bond between contemporary civilizations. From Iraq or Sumer these signs travelled to Egypt where they evolved into hieroglyphics. “The Bedouins of Arabia or the tribes of America did not need to update this language because they did not need it, so they used it as a design or decoration art.” Thus, Sadu according to him originated in a visual language or a logo that people reinterpreted into their craft.
Civilization
Al-Mansour’s contention is that the Sumerians carried their civilization to places as far away as the Americas and left their imprints on the language, architecture, beliefs and other aspects of material culture. “How did the civilizations share so many commonalities? How is it that the pyramids in America are built in the same style as the ones in Egypt? How is it that their tepees are similar to the tents used by the Bedouins in the Middle East? They must have received their knowledge from somewhere.” He drew further reference between the Assyrians, Phoenicians and other civilizations, saying “One civilization ruled and taught the world, but historians have not been able to place them.”
Bader Al-Mansour also drew attention to examples of craft in America and Africa which has glaring similarities with sadu. “It is true that people elsewhere could learn how to spin yarn they could even learn to incorporate simple geometrical designs inspired by nature, but from where did they learn the technique? Someone must have taught them.” Bader Al-Mansour’s theories and findings cannot be dismissed outright. Research reveals that there are references and suppositions about ancient connections in the old world, but they have not been corroborated. “The West believes that America was discovered by Columbus, they refuse to hear otherwise. As an Arab, I believe you need to take a closer look at civilizations and study the similarities.”
Recycled
Bader Al-Mansour’s presentation on his research was followed by an introduction to his art. Made from recycled and reclaimed material, AlMansour’s art highlights a great lesson: one should not underestimate the power of trash. Breaking down preexisting material, Al-Mansour reinterprets them to offer a new form with new purpose. His exhibition ‘Saduing’ addresses the sadu weaving craft from an artistic perspective. “As a Kuwaiti artist, I believe it is my duty to perpetuate my culture, and sadu is an integral part of my identity.” Explaining the name of the exhibition, Al-Masour said: “I like the name, it is like sadu gives one wings.” And Sadu has given wings to the young artist, allowing him to transform abandoned material into beautiful art Auditorium, Khaitan at 7:00 pm. The choral group is trained under the choir master Ajith Babu and Fredrick Nirmal. For further details contact 94064465/99550337/66044819 or can visit