Kuwaiti heritage comes alive in matchstick art at 360 Mall ‘Murooth’ Exhibition

The Directorate General of Art Education showcased Kuwaiti heritage through 22 intricate artworks made from 484,000 matchsticks at the “Murooth” art exhibition held at 360 Mall, with participation from numerous schools. The exhibit, focused on the traditional Sadu art, aimed to preserve cultural identity with a modern twist.

Artistic Director Suleiman Al-Eid noted the exhibition’s strong public turnout, which led to an extension of its duration. He highlighted the unique use of matchsticks, paint, and wood, with each artwork consuming about 22,000 sticks. Some projects were solo efforts, while others involved collaborative work among teachers, reports Al-Rai daily.

Art teacher Mariam Al-Shatti shared her experience using colored, burnt, and dipped matchsticks in her Sadu-inspired piece, completed in a month with colleague Ahood Saba’a. Similarly, teachers like Hamad Al-Shamri, Ali Al-Shatti, and Rawan Jaafar detailed their time-intensive creations, with some taking up to two months.

Preparations began in August 2024, facing challenges such as budget and venue selection. Supervisor Abdulaziz Al-Duwaisan emphasized the project’s uniqueness in the Middle East, while fellow supervisor Badriya Al-Otaibi stated the initiative will continue through December, with plans for international participation.

Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, who toured the exhibit, praised it as a symbol of national pride and creativity. Acting Supervisor Muntaha Al-Ali reiterated the goal of renewing Kuwaiti cultural identity through innovative and precise artistic expression.