Zainab Sumu Primitive Modern combines the indigenous and avant-garde to showcase the diverse cultural wealth of North and West Africa.
Each year, Zainab chooses a country of inspiration in North or West Africa and a theme. She creates artwork based on the theme and the country's unique culture.
Inspired by a love of textiles, architecture, music, dance and travel, Zainab creates work that reflects a point of view where tradition, modernity and elegant imperfections collide.
Gnawa music is poetry in motion.
It is transcendental, nostalgic, hypnotic and melodic.
Gnawa music uses three traditional instruments:
-Sintir or guembri: 3 stringed percussive lute, played by a Maâlem
-Qraqeb: large metal castanets
-Ganga: drums
I listened to the music each day and interpreted aspects of the music and its culture in my drawings; the rhythm as it is flows through the instruments, and the subtle and swooping movements and explosion of the distinct sounds.
The fashion worn by musicians, detailed embroideries, and cowrie shells are all aspects I incorporated in the artwork presented in the artisanal collection, objects, scarves, and watercolors.
27 Jun, 2018
Ya Moulana was conceived from listening to the beats and rhythms of Gnawa music.
30 Jan, 2018
This year’s new collection is inspired by Gnawa Music from Morocco.
18 Jun, 2016
Here are a few fun ideas on how to rock them for some fun in the sun!
31 May, 2016
