Threads of transformation
- Soumiya works with local and recycled materials
- She believes technology cannot replace the finesse and precision of the human hand
- Her palette, inspired by nature, includes earthy tones, white, gold, copper, red, and black
Soumiya Jalal's journey into weaving began after years of working as an urban planner, where her fascination with textures grew from studying the patterns and aerial views in urban design. Working closely with materials in rehabilitation and renovation projects, she admired artisans' craftsmanship but was frustrated by the technical limitations they faced. Determined to bridge this gap, she enrolled in a textile construction arts programme in Montreal. Soumiya's weaving reflects the precision of her architectural background and a desire to create what machines cannot. Now based in Marrakech, her work is deeply inspired by nature. Having grown up by the ocean, she translated the interplay of light, water and rock into her textiles, using techniques that honour the materials without overwhelming them. Her signature style embraces asymmetry and irregularity, breaking from the traditional vertical stripes favoured in Moroccan craft.
Interview
- Is there a common theme that you express through your work?
- Repair is a recurring theme in my work. To me, it represents both damage and the ability to repair it. My art explores this duality — fragility and the strength that emerges from it, often within the same texture. I use contrasts like matte and shiny, round and rectangular, loose and tight, opaque and transparent, to reflect the balance of opposites, similar to the Yin and Yang in Taoism.
- Does your country influence your work?
- Morocco's heritage, colours and coastline are central to my approach. From the start, I have worked to evolve the traditional techniques of my country into contemporary expressions. In several of my training projects, while maintaining the technical rigour that has been valued for generations, I aim to restore and elevate Morocco's rich artisanal heritage to the level of fine arts and crafts.
- What impact has technology had on your work?
- I often use digital photography in my process. It is a continuous exchange between the woven piece and the world, as viewed through my digital camera, which adds a new dimension to the work and transforms it into an art form in itself. Looking ahead, I aim to develop an artistic expression that integrates digital images and video with the woven structure.
- What would be your advice for the younger generation starting this craft?
- Becoming a master artisan is a demanding and costly journey that requires constant effort, with no room for comfort. As the saying goes "practice makes perfect." In all artisanal crafts, perseverance is key to evolving and connecting with an audience that will value and support your work. Yet, for those driven by passion, it is an incredibly rewarding profession.
Soumiya Jalal is a master artisan: she began her career in 1999 and she started teaching in 2001
Where
Soumiya Jalal
