Exploring naturally dyed pigments for weaving handmade rugs on the loom

A trip to Colombia inspired a new visual language for Ba rugs and tapestries, designed by Salma Barakat and handwoven in wool in Egypt.

Designer Salma Barakat’s reflections on Hydra island, and the tapestry designs that came out of a month-long residency.

Ba’s latest work is placed in the residential Villa Mit Rihan designed by renowned Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy near Sakkara. The stone haven is an architectural landmark with notable features; domes, mashrabiya and stained glass windows befitting Ba’s chosen collection.

Handmade rugs, Blue Dots and Eyes, are carefully chosen to bring vibrancy and complement the now faded colours that adorned plaster-painted walls and cement terrazzo floors. The structural draping of 100% Egyptian cotton texture mirrors the soft stair curves.

Ba's latest photoshoot took place in a heritage 1930s villa located in Zamalek, Cairo, chosen for its preserved architectural features: stained glass windows, ornate carvings, stylised columns, and original parquet floors.

Nestled along the Nilebank, not far from the Fayoum Oasis, Atfeeh Village is a rural village and a centerpoint for Ba production. A local charity organisation tackles poverty by setting up initiatives in the area.

September 2023, Ba introduced the collection on Hydra Island, including new designs for its handmade rugs and tapestries. The month-long solo exhibition took place at the Bratsera Hotel, a restored 1860s sponge factory on Hydra Island, Greece

June 2023, Ba introduced the collection in Athens, including new designs for its handmade rugs and tapestries in a solo exhibition @ALIKINOIS. Limited designs are produced on peddle looms in Egyptian villages to support local causes.

Autumn 2022, Ba presented it’s first handmade kilim rug and tapestry collection in Amsterdam in a solo exhibition. A video projection of the process of peddle loom production in Egypt accompanied.

Explore in images the behind-the-scenes process of analog collage making.