We at Destination had the opportunity to speak to Lubna Al-Ghurair, also known as Sit Al Dar on her recent works, including the Judariat Silwawa Exhibiton, which took place at the JAX District.
Can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind the Judariat Silwawa?
The Judariat Silwawah are part of the Hajj Judariyat located in Upper Said in Egypt and Aswan Khassa. These communities celebrate the return of pilgrims from Mecca by drawing pictures on the hujjaj’s walls at their homes. They illustrate prayers, Hajj rituals, and Quranic verses. It’s an honor to have the homeowners who went on pilgrimage showcase their journey through this beautiful art.
We saw that your exhibition features collaboration between different artists from various fields. Can you tell us more about this?
Yes, we worked with different artists, including a photographer and jewelry designer, Azza Fahmy. We visited Egypt’s high village of Silwa, where we met Am’eed Silwawee, a natural artist who drew many Hajj walls. We took photos and printed them on materials like paper and fabric with 3D embroidery. Azza Fahmy contributed special pieces inspired by the Kaaba and Zamzam. The exhibition also features a collection from 1970 Nubian houses, re-launched in 2019 with a modern twist.
Can you explain a bit about the Nubian culture for those who might not be familiar with it?
Aswan is rich in culture and has a distinct visual identity. Nubian houses are simple but meaningful, with elements like palm trees and Shira’i boats. Each element has a purpose and cultural significance. We incorporated these visual elements into our designs, drawing inspiration from the natural and genuine aspects of Nubian culture.
What is the message or feeling you want visitors to experience when they visit the exhibition?
We want visitors to feel the joy of the pilgrims and their families as they return home. The art celebrates this joyous occasion and the beauty of Egyptian folk customs. It’s about appreciating the honor of completing the pilgrimage and the community’s celebration.
Where do you see yourself in the future, and what do you hope to achieve with your cultural artworks?
I aspire to have a significant role in supporting Saudi craftsmen, similar to Azza Fahmy’s impact in Egypt. Beyond creating my own designs, I want to give back to the community by fostering a large, supportive network for craftsmen. This will help us leave a lasting cultural and artistic footprint and support various talents and hobbies.
Note: Visit the JAX District, the heart of art and culture, to experience this unique exhibition and celebrate the rich traditions of Egyptian pilgrimage art and Nubian culture.
Instagram: sitaldar
