Moved by the beauty of nature and the amazing landscapes in Egyptian villages, Hisham Abu-Romia has been able to translate these features onto tapestry woven on a handloom.
Abu-Romia uses both cotton and wool to express the beauty so imprinted on his soul.
His tapestries were displayed among other works that featured in the 5th edition of Turathna [Our Heritage] Exhibition for Handcrafts and Heritage Arts, recently held in Cairo. Showcasing works by over 1000 Egyptian artisans aiming to reach global markets, this year’s edition of Turathna was diverse, featuring blown glass, copper, inlaying, traditional talli textile from Upper Egypt, embroidery, and regional crafts from Siwa, Sinai, and Nubia.
As to Abu-Romiya, he told Watani that he had loved the tapestry craft since his early childhood. Today, he has a workshop in Mansoura, on the eastern branch of the Nile Delta, where he produces his creations. He said he markets his products through social media, local exhibitions, and exhibitions held in Arab Gulf countries. He hopes the Traditional Arts authorities in Egypt would help him participate in exhibitions in Europe.
Abu-Romia creates his tapestry landscapes from memory, without initial sketching. “I just decide on the topic I wish to depict, and my imagination guides me while spinning on the loom,” he explaines.
This is the fifth year in successive that Abu-Romiya has taken part in Turathna exhibition.
Watani International
5 November 2023
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