An ambitious project is weaving together heritage, creativity, and entrepreneurship. The Fabric Art initiative, founded by art teacher Wujud Saif Al-Khamisi, brings to life the intricate beauty of Islamic architecture through innovative fabric design. With a team of talented students, Al-Khamisi has transformed a classroom lesson into a flourishing business, creating a unique collection of artistic fabrics that reflect Omani culture and resonate with modern design trends.
The Fabric Art project is an inspiring entrepreneurial endeavour that merges Islamic architecture with intricate motifs and high-quality artistic fabric designs. Organised annually by the Fine Arts Department in North Al Batinah, the Creative Industries project nurtures innovative initiatives that transform classroom lessons into real-world applications.
Al-Khamisi’s project originated from her eleventh-grade Islamic architecture lessons, where she introduced students to the beauty of Islamic motifs, including plant, geometric, and calligraphic designs. Building on their growing skills, she encouraged students to leverage these motifs as a means of generating income, inspiring them to transform their artistry into entrepreneurship. Under her guidance, 15 talented students formed a team to create a unique line of fabric products that they promote through a digital platform on social media.
The students developed decorative designs, balancing harmonious and contrasting colours to produce high-resolution digital images using design software. These patterns are printed on various fabrics, including silk, chiffon, and cotton, resulting in 150 fabric pieces created thus far. The fabrics have garnered considerable attention for their unique detailing, artistic quality, and rarity in the market, making them particularly appealing to modern women.
The Rich History of Fabric Making in the Arab World and Oman
Fabric making in the Arab world boasts a rich and diverse history, tracing back thousands of years to ancient civilisations like Mesopotamia and Egypt, which utilised plant fibres and animal hair. During the Islamic Golden Age (8th to 14th centuries), the art of textile production flourished, with innovations in dyeing and weaving techniques. Prominent centres in Baghdad, Damascus, and Cairo produced luxurious fabrics adorned with intricate designs, influencing European markets through global trade routes.
In Oman, fabric making has been deeply ingrained in its culture due to maritime trade influences. Traditional techniques, such as Al-Bailah weaving, stand out, using vibrant cotton and silk threads to create intricate patterns. Notably, the "Kumma" and the "Bisht" embody the fusion of textile craftsmanship with Omani identity.
The 18th and 19th centuries saw a rise in the textile industry for both local use and trade as Omani artisans exported handmade fabrics. Today, initiatives to promote traditional craftsmanship alongside modern design are revitalising the sector. Projects like the Fabric Art initiative illustrate how young Omani artisans are innovating while honouring their heritage, continuing the legacy of fabric making in the region.
Embracing Entrepreneurship
Al-Khamisi’s initiative has received strong community support, propelling her students further into the world of entrepreneurship. The success of Fabric Art has even attracted the attention of renowned Omani textile entrepreneur Sheikha Al-Khalili, who admired the project’s vision and dedication. Impressed by the students’ work, Al-Khalili offered financial support and proposed purchasing their designs for her textile store.
With robust community backing, Fabric Art continues to design and produce unique fabrics, achieving impressive sales while planning for future expansion, exhibitions, and partnerships. Al-Khamisi’s students’ brand is now making its mark in fabric boutiques across Oman. Through this project, Al-Khamisi and her students have successfully transformed a lesson into an entrepreneurial venture that celebrates Oman’s cultural heritage in every piece they produce.
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