Sheikha Bodour Launches 'Chapters Of Islamic Art: Carpets' Exhibition In Sharjah

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the esteemed Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), recently unveiled the 'Chapters of Islamic Art: Carpets' exhibition at the House of Wisdom (HoW) in Sharjah. This three-month showcase, drawing inspiration from 'Chapters of Islamic Art: The Private Collection of Dr. Richard Ettinghausen', was graciously contributed to HoW by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, a Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The exhibition underscores the cultural and historical importance of artisan carpets and textiles throughout the Muslim world.

During the inauguration, Fatma Al Mahmoud, HoW’s Cultural Planning Manager, guided Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi through the exhibition alongside Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq; Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah; and Reem bin Karam, Director General of the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council. The exhibition is divided into four zones, featuring both physical and digitised versions of Islamic carpet literature, a collection of masterfully woven rugs, and innovative artwork inspired by the traditional "Alshanof" motif.

The House of Wisdom's lobby has been ingeniously repurposed as an exhibition space, where visitors are initially welcomed by the Ettinghausen Book Collection on Carpets. This carefully curated display presents a breathtaking assortment of illuminated manuscripts and large-sized books on Islamic art in textiles. The collection spans from the uniquely woven carpets of Mesopotamia during the Abbasid Period to the detailed designs of Persian rugs, the SEHNA technique from Punjab, and timeless Oriental carpets. Each piece narrates the story of its origin, reflecting the rich cultural heritage across the Muslim world.

Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of House of Wisdom, expressed her enthusiasm for the event: "Our primary objectives for this event are to honour the intricate beauty of Islamic art, facilitate cultural dialogue, and provide a platform for both local and international artists to showcase their impressive and creative artwork. We are proud to house Dr. Richard Ettinghausen’s priceless collection at HoW, and we look forward to highlighting a different section of the works during the holy month of Ramadan and beyond, providing a compelling experience for visitors."

The second zone is a collaborative effort with Jaipur Rugs, an Indian company celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and commitment to social responsibility. Their retail display features a diverse collection from Jaipur Rugs, including vintage and antique carpets. The third zone highlights contemporary UAE-based artists and includes contributions from the Fatima Bint Mohamed Bin Zayed Initiative (FBMI), a project aimed at empowering underprivileged communities with a focus on women. The fourth zone is dedicated to fostering artist-community engagement, showcasing HoW’s support for local and emerging talents through an art installation by Sarah Al Khayyal titled ‘Where the Grid Lies’, which pays homage to ‘Sadu’ craftsmen.

Looking ahead, HoW plans to annually explore additional chapters of Islamic art within the Ettinghausen collection, including Islamic architecture, travel literature, and ceramics. This initiative not only celebrates the legacy of Islamic art but also promotes cultural exchange and artistic innovation.

With inputs from WAM