A national quilt representing Canada’s rich ethnic diversity includes a block dedicated to Saudi Arabia thanks to the efforts of an artist who lived in the Kingdom for more than 20 years.
“Invitation, the Quilt of Belonging” went on display recently at the Museum of Civilization in Canada. The culmination of six years of work by a number of volunteers, the quilters were joined by members of Parliament, leading businessmen, artists and intellectuals for the opening.
The quilt consists of blocks made by Canadians from more than 135 countries. About 120-feet long and 10-feet high, it includes a textile art piece from all of the 263 main aboriginal and world nationalities found within Canada. An accompanying text records the stories, history and symbols found within this immense tapestry.
Saudi Arabia is represented by a block depicting the history and culture of the Kingdom. The Saudi block was conceived and made by Sabiha Imran, a Canadian of Pakistani origin who has lived in Saudi Arabia with her husband and children for more than 20 years.
Speaking with Arab News, Riyadh-based Sabiha said her stay in the Kingdom was both rewarding and pleasant. “I was thinking of how I could, even in a small way, try to repay the hospitality and grace that I experienced during my stay in the Kingdom,” Sabiha said. “I found out that although Saudi Arabia was included in the countries, there was nobody available or volunteering to make the block for Saudi Arabia. I immediately jumped at the opportunity and offered to make the Saudi block.”
Sabiha said it was a great opportunity to project Saudi Arabian culture, history and crafts. She researched the textiles, culture and history of Saudi Arabia, which is included in the write-up and the book. “I feel very happy and proud to be able to contribute toward projecting Saudi Arabia before the world.”
Sabiha used a piece of handwoven cloth for the background of the Saudi Arabia block. “Bright colors were chosen that are commonly used in Saudi weaving, reflecting the people’s love of bold design as well as the raw environment of the desert. The predominately geometric pattern is in keeping with the country’s custom of not depicting animals or other living creatures in any art form,” she said.
“A pewter dallah (Arabic coffee pot) replicates those found in most Saudi homes. As a sign of hospitality, Saudis will typically serve coffee to friends and family on social visits. The tassel and coins embellishing this square are used to decorate the black veils and dress fronts of women’s garments.”
A multitalented artist, Sabiha also works as an interior decorator and a calligrapher. She strives for originality and a fresh approach in her work and has developed a unique, personal style. It is a blend of eclectic, ethnic, traditional and Islamic with a dash of her own creativity. Her works have displayed at several prestigious exhibitions, and a number of her paintings hang in the Canadian Parliament.
The Saudi block may be viewed at the online gallery at www.invitationproject.ca along with photographs and descriptions of the 263 textile artworks, along with brief national histories of each participating nation. The Saudi block is in the gallery section, listed alphabetically under Asia as listing No. 3145.
A book is being published, which will include all the blocks, write-ups and interviews with the artists. The quilt will travel across Canada before going on permanent display at the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa. A European tour is planned.
