Often considered a victim of its own attempt at self-determination, the combination of both Libya’s shaky political atmosphere with its severe economic instability have definitely been putting the squeeze onto the country’s creative scene. But even that couldn’t destroy it.
Forcing thousands into displacement, a new wave of artists is being reborn from its ashes. It seems, the creative scene has witnessed quite a breakthrough in the post-Gaddafi era from both within or outside the nation’s borders.
Home to some of the region’s oldest civilisations as well as to an uncountable amount of oil-producing fields, Libya’s much rich history has also been made felt in the country’s versatile culture and aesthetics. From photographers to designers without forgetting to mention the new wave of stylists, we’ve gathered a list of 6 Libyan creatives you should definitely keep your eyes locked on for the next couple of months.
Basma’s Corner
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Infatuated with explicit references to her Libyan heritage, the London-based graphic designer and self-proclaimed concepteur displays a colourful mosaic of illustrations with pastel tones that smoothly puts Libya back to where it belongs on the map.
Tewa Barnosa
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Hovering between Berlin and Tripoli, the 23-year-old cultural producer has been putting the spotlight on her country of birth through her exploration of language and ancient scripts. Using all digital mediums at her disposal to voice her mind, her installations and various paper-based works also testify as evidence as to her ability to create and express herself from anything. Conscious of Libya’s current troubles, she is also known for having founded Waraq, an institution aiming to ‘support the Libyan art scene locally and in the diaspora through encouraging socio-critical dialogue between artists and audience’ which again proves how multifaceted the Tripoli-native artist is.
Kamushki Studio
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Mariam and Dania Sawedeg are the sister duo behind Kamushki studio. Heavily inspired and influenced by their Libyan lineage, the designers gave birth to a perfect blend of tradition and modernity through a cocktail of avante-guarde and edgy jewels.
To shop Kamushi: ounass.ae
Zeynab Za
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Zeynab Za is a stylist known for being one of Kamak’s co-founders. Sustainable, technical and above all modest-friendly, these three values are at the core of the young socially aware label. Attempting to slash the preconception in which the practice of sports has to depend on the length of your clothing, the brand works towards the inclusion and emancipation of all women within the athletic realm – and it’s safe to say that they do so in a stylish manner.
Ibrahim Elhinaid
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Ibrahim Elhinaid uses a camera to capture ‘the subtle, poetic and yet playful characteristic of light’ that surrounds him. Based in France but originally Libyan, his unique observation and interesting engagement with his subjects definitely make him a photographer that you want to make sure you remember the name.
Ibrahim Shebani
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Embracing Libya’s rich culture, Ibrahim Shebani is an all-round talented and well-connected fashion designer that aims to fill Libya’s lack of representation in the arts, fashion and within the creative scene. Founder of Born In Exile, Ibrahim’s brand sheds light on Libyan culture as a whole, a culture he believes is underrated and trying to pull it back up to its true value.
Image: @zeynab_za
