the future of tradition - the tradition of future

avant-garde arab intellectuals' of the 20th century saw history as a fluid process - its interaction with the present
as dynamic, cyclical and interconnected. they had begun with a belief of modernity being a rupture from the past,
but later reinstated the role of tradition.

the plan of the central exhibition area follows this model of thinking, aligning itself along a structure of
intersecting axes, allowing for repetitive and continuous shifts of perspective between each space.
woven, semi transparent strings provide a constant connection between each environment and the exhibited works
selected from different time periods.





chosen based on its traditional and practical implementations, textiles were used to delineate spaces and pathways.
the material was also favored due to its prominence throughout the collection,
most notably in the ninety-nine banners hanging above the installation entitled 'the invisible masters' by rachid koraichi.





in egypt, traditional enclosures are brightly colored and patterned units constructed out of fabric.
commonly used to specify domains, to define access and to enclose, mark or advertise an event or celebration.
digitally derived patterns mimic the traditional ones, creating abstract versions of  patterns traditionally used to adorn
the temporary dwellings. the contemporary language speaks to the visitors
while corraling the loosely linked groups of objects, housed in eight separate zones.

the panels were woven in a workshop located in cairo, egypt.





















detail of a woven panel



sectional perspective of central space showing vaulted banner arrangement



model



enclosures plan showing anchor point distribution and banner locations



(top from right to left) traditional pattern, black and white, pixelated
(center) patch
(bottom) woven pattern



enclosure variations showing the horizontal segments with skyline patterns



enclosure variations showing the horizontal segments with blocked pattern



enclosure variations showing the horizontal segments with striped pattern