Heritage Loom Revived in Lattakia

Handloom weaving  is a traditional craft for which the Syrians have been famous for thousands of years. It has a special artistic imprint that gives it unique identity.

Within the framework of the initiatives launched by the National Association for Tourism Developments in Syria to revive the handloom weaving heritage , the Syrian plastic artist Ali Hmaisheh in Lattakia province has  adopted a new idea in terms of technique and tools aiming to revive this key heritage craft in a new artistic method..

“ the age of this industry is as old as history. This handcraft is a Syrian heritage and part of the culture in the eastern region. The Syrians are famous for their creativity in this industry as it provides a product that has a spirit full of life” artist Hmaisheh said during his interview with the Syriatimes e-newspaper.

The artist Hmaisheh’s    new artistic method  depended  on turning  his own  paintings  into woven works   on heritage loom. The artworks   varied   between abstraction, expressionism in addition to famous world artists.

“ History is not most probably written traditions and tales of the past but can be conveyed through contemporary art. Preserving and reviving  Syrian heritage through art should be a shared ambition of all Syrian artists “  Hmaisheh expressed.

He stressed  it  is vital that such intangible cultural heritage of traditional arts, crafts and textiles is conserved for our future generations, their historical and cultural significance as some of these art form have unparalleled demand in the international market .

Aiming at enhancing the artists’ role in reviving  this unique heritage craft , artist Hmaisheh has held an exhibition containing his  artworks implemented on a heritage loom in cooperation with his son Bahr, a down Syndrome patient , in Lattakia province .

Twenty paintings by the father and the son were turned by artist  Hmaisheh into waved works on the heritage loom. Nine of these paintings were done by the twelve-year old  Bahr.

 “  this exhibition presented a new idea and it was a challenge for me  despite all difficulties  to present this heritage from a new technical point of view. ”  artist Hmaisheh stressed.

He underscored that the exhibition is different from other exhibitions in terms of the visual impact of the paintings on the loom of the traditional rug from the visual impact of photography .

“ there is a unique and deep relation between me, Bahr and the loom. We form a joint innovative artistic project.  My son’s creative talents of drawing , playing piano and  acting  are a great message to the world that even Syrian children with Down’s syndrome are distinguished individuals with remarkable abilities and talents and proud of their deep-rooted civilization” Hmaisheh highlighted..

The smile of the little artist Bahr was no less beautiful than his own paintings which he talked proudly about . His works included paintings depicting nature and the sea.

According to artist Hmaisheh , he is the first artist in Lattakia who used the art of recycling stone and metals to display attractive artworks of special imprint.

It is noteworthy that artist Hmaisheh is from Lattakia . He is also a pot and a writer and participated in a number of local and international exhibitions and festivals.

Interviewed by : Rawaa Ghanam

Photos by : Rawaa Ghanam