Qatari artists showcase cultural dialogue at QNL’s Morocco Exhibition

Over the past three months, Qatar National Library (QNL) has captivated visitors, drawing them into a world where history, craftsmanship and knowledge converge to honour Morocco’s centuries-old tradition of book production.

The exhibition ‘From Material to Market: The Art of Book-Making in Morocco’ celebrates the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, showcasing how art connects people across time and space.

As part of this cultural exchange and to complement the exhibition, several Qatari artists contributed unique pieces inspired by Morocco’s craft. Two of these artists, Mohammed al-Emadi and Muna al-Bader, have shared their insights and the creative processes behind their contributions.

Al-Emadi’s creative journey began with a vision of Morocco’s scholarly legacy. As he examined ancient books and manuscripts from the exhibition, he felt immersed in a time when the Islamic Empire flourished. “I could imagine a scholar in Morocco, spreading his knowledge on ancient paper, binding it together with patterned leather,” al-Emadi recalled, reflecting on the inspiration behind his piece.

His digital work blends layers and colours to create a visual experience that feels both timeless and contemporary. “The art I practice is digital, but layering is what gives it a unique form. I use frames, floating books and threads,” explained al-Emadi.

For al-Emadi, art is an expression of culture and identity that connects individuals, societies, and nations. “Art represents the uniqueness of nations. When mutuality happens, it creates an identity of expression as a society,” he said. Like Moroccan bookbinding, his work preserves cultural heritage while acknowledging how traditions evolve.

Muna al-Bader’s approach centres around exploring connections — between people, cultures and traditions. Her piece ‘Azure Threads’ blends elements from Morocco’s textiles, architecture and bookbinding to create a visual tribute to its rich cultural tapestry. The intricate patterns and deep azure blue symbolise Morocco’s unique position at the crossroads of Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

“Azure blue is deeply associated with Moroccan identity,” al-Bader explained. “It represents peace and the vast cultural wisdom of the country. The movement of the patterns in my work reflects the flow of time and Morocco’s rich history.”

Her piece uniquely links Moroccan bookbinding with the artistry of textiles. “Both crafts require a deep understanding of materiality and texture. The handcrafting of books often uses silk, leather and gold leaf— the same materials featured in Moroccan garments,” she said, highlighting the connection between these practices.

For al-Bader, both bookbinding and textiles tell stories — one through words, the other through fabric —each carrying the legacy of Moroccan culture.