The Emirati Burqa from a Cultural, Historical and Contemporary Art Perspective

Abstract

Abstract

The Emirati burqa or ‘mask’is a face cover reveals the eyes without covering the hair or the body, and it used to be worn by the majority of Emirati women in the United Arab Emirates until the late 1960s. Linking the research to the findings, some art works have been added from London exhibition ‘An Intimate Object’ on 2014 which re-animates the burqa as a living object with its own history and new contemporary meanings. The art practices shows the burqa has ‘a voice’ referencing to its protection and value as a personal and precious object in the documented traditions. The artworks help on keeping burqa as alive material object and rediscover it through contemporary art practice as an aesthetic and political strategy. In this research paper methods of the traditional craft materials, inscription methods, film, photography and installation were used and experimented. The personal practices and engagements of the researcher on performing artworks and experiences is a response to burqa's disappearing practice and due to the lack of sources that documented the burqa over time. Focusing on the significance of the body and knowledge, the practice will refer to protect the traditions and burqa's value as a personal and precious object.