Bahrain exhibition showcases heritage through modern design
University students collaborate with local artisans to reinterpret traditional Bahraini crafts using contemporary design inspired by Islamic artistic principles
MANAMA, Bahrain (MNTV) – Young designers in Bahrain have unveiled a collection of contemporary works inspired by Islamic art and the country’s traditional crafts, highlighting efforts to preserve cultural heritage through modern design.
The exhibition, titled Form Craft, opened at the Al Jasra Crafts Centre and brought together students from the University of Bahrain and local artisans to create functional pieces rooted in Bahraini craftsmanship and Islamic design traditions.
The event was inaugurated by Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and attended by academics, designers and cultural figures.
Sixteen projects were selected for display from a total of 30 submissions produced by final-year architecture and interior design students.
The collection features lighting fixtures, clothing, desk accessories and household items developed as part of a university course exploring Islamic geometric patterns and decorative motifs.
Several students collaborated with craftsmen from Al Jasra village, while others worked alongside family members who continue practicing traditional Bahraini crafts.
The resulting pieces incorporate techniques such as palm-frond weaving, woodworking and decorative pearl detailing, reimagined through contemporary design.
According to GDN Online, the exhibition curator Tamadher Alfahal said the project aimed to demonstrate that cultural heritage should remain a living practice rather than simply a historical display.
She said designers have a responsibility to preserve local knowledge while embracing modern tools in ways that strengthen, rather than replace, traditional craftsmanship.
According to Alfahal, the students based their work on four core principles drawn from Islamic philosophy: unity, modesty, balance and remembrance.
Each design also reflected personal narratives and the experiences of the artisans involved, treating craftsmen as equal creative partners throughout the design process.
Among the featured works was Siraj Ameen, a reading lamp created by student Zainab Mohamed as a tribute to her late uncle, a metalsmith whose craftsmanship inspired the piece.
Another exhibit by Waad Mohamed combined a book holder, reading light and storage unit into a multifunctional product influenced by traditional Bahraini craftsmanship.
Student Asma Janahi also presented Arjon, a lighting fixture blending contemporary design with traditional materials and production methods.
The exhibition also includes Sard, a handcrafted wooden clutch designed by Majd Ahmed, reflecting the project’s focus on combining cultural heritage with modern functionality.
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