Unlived Moments: Naqsh Collective

The word “Naqsh”, in Arabic, means to engrave, giving name to the first form of human engravings on stone to communicate and leave a mark or tell a story. From here the two sisters Nisreen and Nermeen Abu Dail aim to create a universal code with their works for each person to relate. They see the potential in materials and often experiment with solid metals, wood and stone which produce timeless artworks. By selecting to create the pieces with materials that are not traditionally used in embroidery the work has a timeless edge.

“We had the pleasure of presenting works by Nisreen and Nermeen this year at Art Dubai and included works by Naqsh Collective in our 2019 Bahith (seeker) group show which explored national identity in the East (encompassing the Caucasus, Middle East and West Asia) and the influences of Western beliefs on this region. It’s exciting for us to exhibit their solo show this summer and to continue our support of artists from this geographical area.” says Gazelli Art House’s founder Mila Askarova.

“Palestinian embroidery is the focal point of inspiration in our work, not only the beauty and geometry, but we also found that there were a lot of untold stories that we would like to tell”, says Nisreen Abu Dail, architect and co-founder of Naqsh Collective.

The Gazan lady depicted in the artwork Wa Mashat travels from Gaza/Palestine to Amman/Jordan comes wearing her “Palestinian Thobe” dress, walking through wheat fields with golden spikes of wheat clinging to her dress. Wheat embroidery motifs from Gaza, engraved on Gold Calacatta Granite stone, and hand inlaid with brass finish the work.