Blockat, 2021
Textile, cotton thread, Ink block prints (collection of 8)
50 x 36 cm
Collection of Misk Art Institute, Riyadh
As part of Misk Art Institute 2021 Art Grant Mishari AlNajjar displayed two distinctive representations of the architectural massing of central business district 9 (CBD 9) in downtown Kuwait City, a prominent urban block of modernist buildings, home to Kuwait's textile district, locally known as Al Blockat. AlNajjar attempts to map and document (CBD 9) in its current state before the inevitable cycle of renovation or demolition. Additionally, he explores textile as a continuous process of learning and reconstructing the skills required to work with it.
Blockat is comprised of handmade block prints representing the unique patterns extracted from each building, either from facades or interiors, and is represented as a printed pattern on fabric. The patterns document the current state the buildings are in, preserving their architectural language and design. Cross stitching is used on the modified or demolished buildings to indicate change and a physical representation of eraser.
To learn more about the Misk Art Grant and exhibit click here
Photos courtesy of Misk Art Institute, Riyadh, KSA