Karima Al-Shomely

The eyewear, Barāqi, design was created during the early days of my artist residency at Athena House of Art, where I sought to transform a functional object into a vessel of visual and material memory. I wrapped the entire frame in golden cord, creating a luminous surface that evokes craftsmanship and ornamentation. I then attached small ceramic burqas reflecting the form of the traditional Emirati burqa—that I had prepared in advance, allowing them to become sculptural elements that interact with the structure of the frame.

I chose shades of red and orange for the ceramic pieces, as their warmth and radiance reflect the colors and atmosphere of Venice. The hues recall the city’s shimmering reflections on the water and the warmth of its historic architecture, creating a visual dialogue between color, place, and memory.