Published on: Saturday, October 12, 2024, 23:30 | Category: Culture
Algiers – On Saturday, the “My Silk Road” art exhibition, featuring a blend of silk paintings and visual art, was inaugurated at Dar Abdellatif in Algiers. The exhibition is the work of the talented artist Salima Ayadi, who delves into the beauty and richness of Algerian and Arab-Islamic cultural heritage, drawing from its diverse and authentic elements, and the captivating allure of nature, to create her colorful artistic journey spanning over forty years.
Ayadi draws inspiration for her works, which primarily rely on silk, from elements of Algerian and Arab-Islamic cultural heritage. Her vibrant mosaics depict scenes from nature, featuring vivid bouquets of flowers, blossoming trees, and colorful foliage. Her art also highlights geometric patterns inspired by Algerian architecture and interior design, including motifs from traditional Algerian tiles (zellige) with their distinct shapes and colors, and the elegance of Arabic calligraphy, some of which includes verses from the Quran.
In this exhibition, Ayadi, who specializes in silk painting, presents a rich and diverse collection of her works created over different periods. The collection includes over 20 paintings in various sizes inspired by nature, alongside more than 40 exquisite silk pieces such as scarves, all elegantly arranged with masterful lighting and scenography.
The artist, whose career spans more than four decades dedicated to this art and to exploring Algerian heritage, has also created paintings that capture the beauty and traditions of historic Algerian cities, their architecture, traditional attire, and ancient jewelry. These works depict places like the Casbah of Algiers and the Tassili region, highlighting their deep cultural legacy, stretching back to prehistoric times, through their landscapes, architecture, and even the animals, such as giraffes, that once roamed these desert environments.
Visitors to the exhibition were captivated by the collection of scarves and large silk shawls, which are unique works of art that evoke joy and admiration. The scarves feature intricate geometric designs and motifs inspired by the interiors of historic Algerian buildings, such as those in the Casbah and Tlemcen. The interplay of colors and patterns on the silk adds harmony, beauty, and elegance to each piece.
Ayadi’s silk artworks are distinguished by her mastery of technique, her skill in executing large compositions on silk, and her ability to arrange complex scenes with precision and detail.
In an interview with Algeria’s official news agency (APS), the artist expressed her happiness at reconnecting with her audience, especially those who appreciate the art of silk painting, a technique she chose over forty years ago. She highlighted that “this form of painting requires keen observation, precision, and quick execution to distribute colors on silk effectively, which makes the process time-consuming due to its intricate details.”
Ayadi also noted that her works attract admiration and enjoyment from audiences both in Algeria and abroad, emphasizing that “her art uniquely evokes the rich cultural heritage and authenticity of Algeria, deeply infused with values of beauty, natural charm, and refined artistic expression.”
Salima Ayadi, originally from Miliana, graduated from the School of Fine Arts in 1982. Since then, she has continued her creative journey by participating in numerous exhibitions, both in Algeria and internationally, including in Iran, Qatar, and Libya.
The “My Silk Road” exhibition, organized by the Algerian Agency for Cultural Outreach, will run until October 16.
For more information, visit: DZWATCH.DZ
Author: Nor-Eleslam
Salima Ayadi, My Silk Road, silk painting, Algerian heritage, Arab-Islamic art
