Sadu House held an exhibition titled "SADI 2024: Materiality of the Desert”, showcasing the works of five talented artists: Zainab Dashti, a filmmaker whose art piece is titled, "Products of the Desert”; Mohammed Khesroh, a multidimensional designer whose art piece is titled "Desert Alchemy”; Maha Al-Shammari, an illustrator whose art piece is titled "The Lost Path to the City of Weavers”; Ahmed Al-Saffar, an architect whose art piece is titled "Transformed Pattern”; and Fatemah Dashti, an illustrator whose art piece is titled "Resilience”.
These artists delved into the intricacies of Sadu, a traditional weaving technique practiced by bedouin women. The exhibition displayed their pieces, which beautifully reflect their knowledge and curiosity in merging the past and present, practicality and expression, as well as constraint and innovation. The exhibition opened on Monday, Feb 12, 2024 and will remain open to the public until Feb 29, 2024.
Sheikha Bibi Duaij Al-Jaber Al-Sabah told Kuwait Times that this initiative provides artists with the opportunity to explore Kuwait’s weaving heritage and reinterpret traditions in a contemporary manner, each through their own unique perspective. Sadu House is holding this exhibition to showcase each artist’s personal way of reflecting the textiles as a concept and material. The theme of the exhibition — ‘Materiality of the Desert’ — delves into the relationship between Kuwait’s natural desert environment and the traditional Sadu weaving craft.
Sadu weaving is a craft that embodies the essence of the desert and the bedouin’s ability to adapt to its harsh conditions through the use of natural materials and innovative weaving techniques. It served both utilitarian purposes, such as creating tent parts, as well as a means of expressing social status and tribal identity.