The Art of the Egyptian Applique Work at Sadu House
The Sadu House on Sunday launched an exhibition and workshop on the Art of the Egyptian Applique Work: Al-Kheyameya. The event was planned in conjunction with the “Kuwait, Capital of Islamic Culture” celebration by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL).
Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah said that Egyptian cadres contributed in building and development of Kuwait it in various fields. Humoud added that the exhibition reflects the civilization of Egypt and noted that the art of Al-Kheyameya, an ancient Egyptian heritage, portrays a deep history with its relationship with Arab Islamic culture. For her part, President Sheikha Altaf Salem Al-Sabah said that AlKheyameya art is based on a traditional decoration cloth added (Alablak) and dates back to the ancient Egyptians and emerged during the Islamic era and the Ottoman Empire.
The event was attended by The Ambassador of Egypt Yasser Atef, and a number of ambassadors. This exhibition and workshop brought to Kuwait two professional tent applique masters, conducted a three days workshop started on October 22, 23, and 24. The workshop was conducted by master kheyameya Hany Mahmoud who shared his experience with Sadu House enthusiasts. During the workshop, participants were introduced to the intricacies of pattern design and their transfer on canvas, the adjustment of cotton appliques and the hand-sewing technique in the style of the tentmakers of Cairo.
Sadu House has also launched a new program platform called ‘The Weaving Stories’. The exhibition of Egyptian applique marks the starting point in Weaving Stories program, envisaged to promote and celebrate textile stories from the region and beyond. The Exhibition and Workshop displays the colorful and elaborate appliquÈ work that derives from the decorative wedding tents of the Mamluk, Ottoman and Khedive eras in Egypt. “We are creating Weaving Stories, an interactive exhibition that focuses on bringing more awareness to the value of the tradition of Sadu cloth as a cultural symbol and the stories that these textiles hold. Each element of the exhibition will create new perspectives on Sadu weaving while encouraging visitors to become active participants in the exhibition,” she said.