In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary textile art, Areen Hassan (Instagram) stands out as a voice that bridges tradition and modernity. A Palestinian textile artist based in Dubai, Hassan has continuously pushed the boundaries of her craft, intertwining cultural heritage with innovative techniques. Her work, currently showcased at Foundry Downtown until March 5 and earlier this year at the popular Maison&Objet in Paris, exemplifies her ability to weave narratives of identity, spirituality, and transformation into intricate textile pieces.
Areen Hassan’s artistic foundation is deeply rooted in her education and global experiences. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design and Art in 2018 and soon after embarked on a journey that took her to renowned textile studios in London and Stockholm. These experiences broadened her perspective, allowing her to explore the flexibility of textiles as a medium while refining her distinctive approach.
Her work is a reflection of her cultural identity, bringing together threads of history, tradition, and innovation. Drawing inspiration from Levantine embroidery, she modernizes traditional techniques by incorporating technology and multimedia, often experimenting with transparency and materiality.
Hassan’s contributions to the textile art scene have been recognized globally. She has exhibited in cities including New York, Paris, Munich, Istanbul, and Beirut, among others. Her accolades include the prestigious Justus Brinckmann Award in Hamburg and a nomination for the Doha Design Prize in 2024. Most recently, she was selected to showcase her work at Maison&Objet under the Cultural Grants Programme by Dubai Culture, a testament to her growing influence in the world of design and art.
Currently on display at Foundry Downtown as part of Next Chapter Edition #01, Heavenly Loom is a stunning textile installation that transcends the boundaries of material and spirituality. Measuring an impressive 610x330cm, the piece was created using silkscreen and unravelling techniques on silk fabric.
The work embodies a profound meditation on paradise, drawing from Islamic garden symbolism to create a vision of harmony between the earthly and the divine. The composition reflects the journey from earthly attachments to the celestial realm, where purity and perfection exist beyond the material world.
In Heavenly Loom, the ombre colour palette shifts from warm earth tones to ethereal blues, symbolizing the gradual ascent from the physical to the spiritual. Hassan employs unravelling techniques to deconstruct the material, revealing hidden intricacies beneath the surfaceโa metaphor for self-discovery and transcendence. This intricate interplay between threads and narratives mirrors the weaving of human experience, inviting viewers into an introspective exploration of continuity and transformation.
Hassan’s participation at Maison&Objet marked a significant milestone in her career. Selected under Dubai Cultureโs Cultural Grants Programme, she presented Threads, ุฎููุท, a 460x150cm textile piece that encapsulates the essence of continuity and immortality. Inspired by the symmetrical and geometric layout of Islamic gardens, the piece integrates calligraphic and floral motifs into infinite, repetitive patterns that form a deeply symbolic tapestry.
At the heart of Threads lies the concept of water as a symbol of eternal movementโflowing from the centre in all directions, mirroring the perpetual motion of life and heritage. Through the act of unravelling, Areen Hassan introduces an element of transformation, allowing fabric to evolve into new forms, embodying themes of transparency, adaptability, and the fluidity of identity.
Showcasing her global appeal, Maison&Objet allowed her to engage in a global dialogue on cultural heritage and contemporary design. By blending traditional elements with modern luxury, her participation underscored the dynamic nature of textile art as a medium of both preservation and reinvention.
Hassan’s artistic journey continues to break new ground, merging history with innovation, personal identity with universal themes. Whether through large-scale textile installations or intimate woven compositions, her work serves as a bridge between the past and the future, offering a fresh perspective on the timeless art of textiles. With each thread, she weaves a narrative of resilience, beauty, and transformation, an evolving tapestry that continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
Discover more works of art and culture, like those of Areen Hassan, in our dedicated archives.
