Tapestry Of Reflections And Vulnerabilities. Interview With Zainab Alsabba

by Alexandra Mansilla

Tapestry Of Reflections And Vulnerabilities. Interview With Zainab Alsabba

11 Jul 2025

We first came across Zainab Alsabba — a Bahraini artist, designer, and architect — when we saw her work Lines at her solo show during the 10th Sharjah Calligraphy Biennale in 2022. The artwork is, quite literally, lines of words that crumble away at the ends, reflecting the suffering and disappointment of the self, sudden silence, empty speech, and the absurdity of writing.

The more we explored her work, the more we realised just how personal it is. She creates large installations out of hangers, works magic with a needle and thread, and embroiders on canvas (sometimes even “connecting” herself to her embroidery in the most literal sense) — and that is just the beginning. Every piece has its own meaning, its own emotions.

We were so fascinated by her work that we couldn’t help but ask her to share her story with us.

— Zainab, could you tell me a bit about yourself? You are from Bahrain, but what was your childhood like? How early did you get interested in art?

— Sure! Growing up in the culturally rich landscape of Bahrain, my childhood was a tapestry woven with vibrant narratives and communal stories. My interest in art blossomed early, especially through the fluidity of freestyle Arabic calligraphy. What began as a simple pastime soon transformed into a profound source of joy and fulfilment, igniting a passion for translating the intricate nuances of human emotion into visual expression. This formative experience set the stage for my lifelong exploration of art as a means of understanding the complexities of existence.

— How did you start your artistic journey? What were your first steps?

— My artistic journey commenced with a meticulous study of Arabic calligraphy, where I learned to wield my pen with grace and precision. This exploration evolved into a profound engagement with the form and structure of letters, revealing to me the inherent beauty in each stroke. I soon realised that calligraphy was not merely an aesthetic endeavour but a powerful vehicle for conveying deeper meanings and emotions. This epiphany propelled me into the realm of conceptual art, where I sought to leave an indelible mark on the viewer through the interplay of thought and form.

— You use art as a “visual language to define your understanding of the concept of a human’s daily inner monologue of thoughts and feelings, and the mental dialogue that constantly goes on inside our heads and never stops.” What does this inner dialogue look like for you personally? What was the point in your life when you decided to use art for this?

— My inner dialogue is a rich tapestry of reflections, aspirations, and vulnerabilities, an ongoing conversation that shapes my understanding of self. It is this complex mental landscape that I strive to articulate through my art. I chose this medium to express my thoughts when I recognised that art could transcend personal boundaries, serving as a bridge that connects my internal experiences to the broader human condition, inviting others to engage with my narrative on a deeper, more intimate level.

Art Stories by Zainab Alsabba

— I am really fascinated by your series of art stories. You said each piece in this series holds a distinct story that deeply touched you. Could you share more about this project? What are these stories? How did you come across them?

— My series of art stories encapsulates distinct narratives that resonate deeply with both my personal experiences and the collective experiences of my community. Each piece is a reflection of societal themes, capturing moments of vulnerability, resilience, and strength. The stories are often born from profound conversations, cultural observations, and the lived experiences of individuals around me, woven into visual forms that invite contemplation and foster connection.

— You have also mentioned that the artwork titled "And She Is Still Blooming" is especially close to your heart. Why is that? What is the story behind this piece?

— This artwork is particularly dear to my heart as it embodies the resilience and tenacity of women within my community. It tells a powerful story of growth and empowerment, symbolising the ability to flourish despite adversity. Through this piece, I aim to pay tribute to the indomitable spirit of those who continue to bloom, encapsulating a universal message of hope and strength that resonates across barriers.

— Do you plan to continue this series?

— Yes, definitely! I want to explore new narratives and themes that reflect the ever-evolving nature of our human experiences. Each new piece will strive to delve into the complexities of identity and emotion, inviting viewers to engage with the stories I tell and to reflect on their own journeys.

— In 2018, you won the Audience Choice Award at the 45th Annual Bahrain Fine Art Exhibition for works created using hangers. Your art often expresses emotions — what were you trying to convey with these works? And why did you choose hangers as your main medium?

— This award for “Hung and Stuck” was a transformative milestone in my career. Through this work, I endeavoured to convey feelings of confinement and the yearning for liberation, utilising hangers as a medium to illustrate the beauty inherent in everyday objects. This recognition affirmed my belief in the power of art to resonate profoundly with diverse audiences, transcending the boundaries of personal experience.

— I absolutely love your work, “To escape?”. What was the idea behind it? And why did you decide to participate in this project?

— “To escape?” encapsulates the universal yearning for solitude and introspection amidst the chaos of modern life. My decision to participate in this project stemmed from a desire to explore the theme of escape, connecting with others who share similar sentiments. It allowed me to delve into the complexities of seeking refuge within oneself, transforming that longing into a tangible artistic expression.

— Do you remember the moment you decided to start using needle and thread as your main artistic tools?

— This transition emerged during a period of profound introspection. This tactile medium enables me to create intricate connections that symbolise the nuances of my mental dialogue. Stitching becomes a metaphor for the complexity of thought and emotion, allowing me to weave together various narratives into a cohesive artistic statement.

"To escape?" by Zainab Alsabba. Photo: Ahmed Al Kuwaiti

— During the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennale 2022, you had your solo show where you presented the piece “Lines,” described as "A free text that reflects the suffering and disappointment of the self, the sudden state of silence, useless speech, and the absurdity of writing". Could you tell me more about this work? What was the context when it was created? What is the idea behind it? Was it something personal?

— “Lines” is a poignant reflection of my struggles with self-worth and the absurdity of communication in our lives. Created during a particularly challenging time, this piece embodies my personal experiences with disappointment and silence, inviting viewers to contemplate their own unspoken thoughts and the weight they carry in their hearts.

"Lines" by Zainab Alsabba

— I am also really intrigued by this work. What is it about? Why are the letters burnt?

— The burnt letters in my work symbolise the destruction of past narratives, representing both loss and the potential for renewal. They convey the intricate complexities of memory, illustrating how our experiences shape and sometimes distort our identities, inviting the viewer to reflect on their own relationship with the past.

— And finally, could you share what you are working on right now? What are the main ideas or messages you want to express in your new work?

— Now, I am immersing myself in a new series that explores the themes of memory and identity. My aim is to articulate the fragility of our recollections and their profound influence on our sense of self, employing innovative art forms that provoke thought and invite engagement.

I am eager to delve into sustainable materials and everyday objects in my future work. This exploration aligns with my belief in the power of simplicity — utilising accessible materials to create art that resonates on a deeper level and speaks to the collective human experience, bridging the gap between the mundane and the profound.

by Alexandra Mansilla