STORY
𓅽
Temple of Hathor, Dendara, Egypt
Ancient Egyptian mural at Thebes
Ba was born as an art and design brand dedicated to social principles, founded by Salma Barakat, an Egyptian-Greek designer.
The name is inspired by the fluidity of the concept of the 𓅽 (pronounced ba) as portrayed in Ancient Egyptian religion. The ba is the principle aspect of a soul and the notion of qualities of the divine¹. Represented as the person’s face on a bird’s body, for its ability to travel and to take on shapes freely².
Ba is also the first two letters of the founder and designer’s last name, Barakat. The Arabic visual expression is با .
¹ Janák,2014, Saddle-billed Stork (Ba-Bird). UEE. p. 1 and 5
² J. Vandier, La religion égyptienne (2nd edition; Paris, 1949), p. 131
DESIGN
Salma applies contemporary design to the traditional method of kilim rug-making process.
Designs are largely drawn from her analog collages, fluid forms are juxtaposed against the tightly knit woven process. Ba limits each design to a maximum of 1,4 or 8 handmade rugs depending on the collection.
Collage Pyramid rug
HANDMADE IN EGYPT
Ba kilims are predominately woven in Atfeeh - a rural village 100km south of Cairo. With a desire to build empowerment among underprivileged women, Salma collaborates closely with the weavers that work out of a well-run, purpose-built workshop operated by a local charity organisation.
The charity trains women in need with artisanal skills and while traditional craft is preserved, regular salaries are provided to help support families.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Designer Salma Barakat [London College of Communication, UAL] is the owner of Ba Atelier, originally founded in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and is now based in Athens, Greece.
Press:
Ba solo exhibition (Athens June 2023) -Artviews.gr - Ba Atelier at Alkinois: A selection of handmade rugs and tapestry kilims designed by Salma Barakat at Alkinois Art space