Exploring Balance and Texture through Arabic Folklore Masks In this recent artistic exploration

In this recent artistic exploration, I delved into the mystical realm of Arabic folklore, crafting three masks inspired by legendary beings: Ifrit, Ghoul, and Sila. These masks were more than simple visual representations; they were connected to ancient storytelling, where the pages from old illustrated tales served as the backdrop for the installations. By merging these narratives with texture and balance, I aimed to evoke the depth and emotion of these mythological creatures.

The Masks and Their Mythological Roots

Ifrit — The Fiery Spirit

In Arabic folklore, the Ifrit is a powerful and often malevolent being associated with fire. Known for its rebellion and destruction, it embodies chaos and fury. To reflect this, the mask features sharp, angular lines and bold, fiery colors. Red and black dominate the design, symbolizing the Ifrit’s association with fire and the underworld.

Using rough materials like hairy textile gave the mask an untamed, wild energy, emphasizing its unpredictable nature. I also incorporated illustration pages from ancient stories, placing them around the mask to ground it in historical context, reinforcing the idea that the Ifrit’s legend has been told for generations. The contrast between the smooth, controlled structure of the cardboard and the raw, chaotic texture of the hair visually echoed the Ifrit’s duality—its ability to both destroy and fascinate.

Ghoul — The Graveyard Haunter

The Ghoul, another figure from Arabic folklore, is known for preying on the dead and lurking in desolate places. Often feared for its shape-shifting abilities and hunger for human flesh, the ghoul is a representation of death, fear, and danger.

I captured the essence of the Ghoul through the eerie use of blue tones, giving the mask a cold, ghostly appearance. The wavy cardboard and layered papier-mâché created an unsettling texture, mimicking the creature’s distorted, deceptive nature. Like the Ifrit, this mask was surrounded by pages from old illustrations, connecting it to the long tradition of ghoul stories in Arabic culture. These illustrations not only enhanced the narrative element but also added texture, making the viewer feel as though they were peering into an ancient tale of dread and foreboding.

Sila — The Shape-shifting Trickster

The Sila is a cunning and shape-shifting figure, known for deceiving those who encounter her. Often depicted as both beautiful and dangerous, she symbolizes transformation and the hidden dangers that lurk beneath the surface.

For the Sila mask, I used a vivid yellow-green color to reflect her mesmerizing yet duplicitous nature. The flowing shapes and soft textures in the mask’s design contrast with sharp, horn-like structures made from cardboard, emphasizing her transformative power. The installation included ancient storybook pages illustrating tales of trickery and illusion, which further brought the mask’s narrative to life. These faded, time-worn pages created a sense of history, reminding viewers that the Sila’s story, like those of the Ifrit and Ghoul, has been passed down for generations.

Merging Texture, Balance, and Narrative

A key part of this project was the use of old story illustrations as part of the installations. These pages, filled with ancient depictions of mythical creatures, provided an authentic link to the past, grounding the masks in their cultural and historical context. The illustrations, with their fine details and worn edges, added texture to the space around each mask, creating a tactile, layered experience.

In terms of materials, balance was achieved through the thoughtful combination of found and crafted elements. The cardboard provided a sturdy, geometric foundation for each mask, while papier-mâché allowed for organic, flowing details. The use of hairy textiles and old paper added texture, emphasizing the masks’ rough, wild, and sometimes deceptive qualities. Found objects like straws and ear buds were repurposed to create intricate, sharp features, adding depth to the masks’ expressions.

The interplay between old and new, between smooth and rough textures, echoed the dualities present in Arabic folklore. Each mask reflected a balance between the mythical and the material, the ancient and the contemporary.

Reflecting on Arabic Folklore through Art

Arabic folklore has long been a vehicle for exploring human fears, desires, and transformations. Through these masks, I wanted to bring that storytelling tradition into a physical form, allowing viewers to engage with these ancient figures on a more visceral level. The inclusion of old story illustrations added an additional layer of narrative, providing a visual reminder that these characters have haunted and fascinated people for centuries.

By blending texture, balance, and narrative, I aimed to create an immersive experience that honors both the mythological roots of these creatures and the tactile, material world they now inhabit. Each mask—whether representing the fiery chaos of the Ifrit, the eerie hunger of the Ghoul, or the deceptive allure of the Sila—offers a window into the deep and complex tradition of Arabic storytelling, where texture and balance are as important as the words themselves.