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Textile and Calligraphy Arts of Morocco

Textile and Calligraphy Arts of Morocco

Looking at the Art of Lalla Essaydi

GRADES 3-12 

Adaptable for Grades 3-5 (textiles/marker and paint) and 6-12 (textile dye).

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Tennessee State Standards

SS.C.01 (K-3) Describe the cultural aspects of a place, including a student’s community and state. Identify various cultural groups within the U.S. and the students’ community.

3.VA.R1.B Speculate about processes an artist uses to create a work of art.

4.VA.Cn1.A Create art that communicates the cultural traditions of one’s community. 5.VA.Cn1.A Create art based on personal experiences, current interests, and surroundings.

6.VA.R1.B Identify and interpret works of art that reveal a variety of world cultures and values.

7-8.VA.Cr2.B Demonstrate awareness of ethical responsibility and the use of images, materials, tools, and equipment in the creation and presentation of original work.

HS3.VA.Cr1.A Envision and hypothesize creative risks and their implications while determining plans and direction of art-making.

GOALS

Students will be able to: 

  • Observe examples of Moroccan textiles and patterns
  • Learn about the impact and importance of calligraphy in Islamic art
  • Connect the symbolisms of pattern and calligraphy to the art of Lalla Essaydi and her use of these elements in her art
  • Make textile art using mark making and patterns

IMAGE CREDIT: Lalla Essaydi (b. 1956), Harem #10, 2009, chromogenic print mounted on aluminum with a UV protective laminate, edition of 15, 30 x 40 in., © LALLA ESSAYDI. Courtesy of the artist and Edwynn Houk Gallery, New York

Textiles and Calligraphy in photographs by Lalla Essaydi

Lalla Essaydi covers her models, and sometimes their garments and walls, in layers of hand-painted henna calligraphy, subverting traditional Muslim gender stereotypes through the presence of the written word. The sacred Islamic art form of calligraphy, traditionally reserved exclusively for men, is used by Essaydi as a small act of defiance against a culture in which women are relegated to the private sphere. Furthermore, by creating this calligraphy with henna, an art traditionally employed by women for women, Essaydi fully reclaims the female voice. The performative process and the resulting photographs allow Essaydi to push and pull the boundaries between East and West, male and female, past and present.

IMAGE CREDIT: Lalla Essaydi (b.1956), Les Femmes du Maroc; After the Bath

 

VOCABULARY

Orientalism – The imitation or depiction of aspects in the Eastern world, going back as far as the 1400s. These depictions are usually created by writers, designers, and artists from the West and show women in a sexualized and non-representational manner.
Arab – A cultural and linguistic term referring to those who speak Arabic as their primary language.
Stereotype – To form a fixed and often untrue or only partially true idea about a group that represents an oversimplified opinion or prejudiced attitude.
Calligraphy – An artistic, stylized, or elegant handwriting or lettering. It can also be used to refer to the art of producing such writing.
Henna – A paste made from the powdered leaves of a tropical shrub, used as a dye to color the hair and decorate the body. The ingredients for henna and the way it is applied varies by country.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  • List the ways artist Lalla Essaydi uses traditional artistic elements from her culture – in what ways are they similar to or different from the way those elements are usually made or seen?
  • Discuss the ways repeating patterns are used in textiles.
  • Consider how the artist uses calligraphy and writing in her work. Why do you think she intentionally made the writing illedible? How does this add to the intention of her work?

ACTIVITY SUGGESTIONS

Create repeating patterns and/or text and then transfer the patterns onto fabric.

Activity #1

On scratch paper, practice making patterns using lines, dashes, swirls, repeated words, and other mark making.  Patterns can be linear, like writing and calligraphy, or a radial design, starting in the center and moving outwards in circular patterns. Look at examples of Essaydi’s work and textiles from Morocco for inspiration while also making your own unique marks, patterns, and language-inspired designs.

Consider that these items will be worn by you or another person—how does that influence the patterns, words, or marks you make on the textiles?

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Place cardboard or other protective material under the fabric you will be decorating.
  2. Use paint/fabric markers, permanent markers and pens to transfer your image onto fabric. You can use a single, monochromatic pattern or choose color(s) based on the mood or symbolic impact that connects to the meaning behind your work as well as your own personal aesthetic.
  3. Display and share completed textiles as they would be worn or displayed.  Take photos to share while discussing the marks and writing chosen for the work.4. Tag #huntermuseum if sharing on social media!
MATERIALS

  • Untreated cotton muslin or other plain, smooth cotton fabric (bandanas, tea towels)
  • Paint/fabric markers, permanent markers, and pens
  • Cardboard, chipboard, or newspaper to place under fabric

Activity #2 (recommended for more advanced groups of 10 or fewer students at a time)

On scratch paper, practice making patterns using lines, dashes, swirls, repeated words, and other mark making.  Patterns can be linear, like writing and calligraphy, or a radial design, starting in the center and moving outwards in circular patterns. Look at examples of Essaydi’s work and textiles from Morocco for inspiration while also making your own unique marks, patterns, and language-inspired designs.

Consider that these items will be worn by you or another person—how does that influence the patterns, words, or marks you make on the textiles?

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Place cardboard or other protective material under or between the layers of fabric you will be decorating.  Be sure to be wearing a smock or other protective clothing so the bleach does not damage what you are wearing!
  2. Use the bleach pen to draw your design onto the cotton fabric.  (Practice using the pen on a separate piece of paper or fabric scrap so that you understand how much to squeeze in order to control the flow of gel on the fabric before you begin!)
  3. Work quickly since the bleach will begin to lift color from the fabric as soon as it is applied. If you are creating a large or intricate pattern you may need to work over several sessions.  Watch for the color of the fabric to change.
  4. Once you notice a strong difference in the color, rinse the bleach off the fabric under running water, making sure all bleach is removed from the fabric.5. Hang and dry completely before adding any additional marks. Wash and dry before wearing.6. Display and share completed textiles as they would be worn or displayed.  Take photos to share while discussing the marks and writing chosen for the work.

    7. Tag #huntermuseum if sharing on social media!

MATERIALS

  • Darker colored, untreated cotton fabric (bandanas, t-shirts, no polyester blends or logos)
  • Bleach pens (sold near laundry detergents, bathroom cleaning supplies, or online)
  • Cardboard, chip board, or newspaper to place under fabric
  • Smock/protective clothing
  • Access to cold running water – individual buckets of water to rinse bleach – must be large enough to soak all of the fabric