Blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, two monumental prayer bead installations by Pakistan-based Studio Lél stand out as unmissable attractions at this year’s Abu Dhabi Art Fair, held from 20–24 November in the UAE’s capital.
The large-scale works, titled Interconnected – The Beacon of Light, take inspiration from the Misbah, prayer beads deeply rooted in Islamic spiritual practice. Crafted with intricate detailing, each sculpture measures over 13.5 feet in length and is adorned with ornate patterns. The project is a result of a unique partnership between 81 Designs, a UAE-based social enterprise founded by Nadine Maalouf and Nesrine El Tibi Maalouf, and Studio Lél, an acclaimed collective led by Meherunnisa Asad in Pakistan. While 81 Designs empowers Palestinian refugee women through heritage embroidery and artisanal work, Studio Lél reimagines age-old stonework traditions with innovative artistry, employing underprivileged craftspeople in the process.
Far more than striking art pieces, these Misbah sculptures act as a symbolic cultural bridge, merging diverse traditions to inspire unity and preserve centuries-old craft techniques. They feature carved wood, brass inlaid with green serpentine stone, and organically dyed rope, celebrating the shared artistic heritage of the UAE, Palestine, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Italy while pushing the boundaries of contemporary cultural expression.
The Story Behind the Collaboration
Nadine Maalouf (NM): The partnership between 81 Designs and Studio Lél grew from a shared vision to merge our creative strengths. Both our teams saw the potential to combine our distinct design languages into something meaningful. Working together allowed us to blend our unique approaches, resulting in a creation that is not only visually captivating but also deeply rooted in function and craftsmanship.
Inspiration & Symbolism of the Misbah Sculptures
Meherunnisa Asad (MA): The concept stemmed from our wish to represent unity and interconnection across cultures through a universally recognized object. The Misbah is not only a tool for prayer and reflection but also a powerful metaphor for continuity. Just as each bead forms part of a whole, this project unites different artisans, techniques, and traditions. We hope these sculptures inspire visitors to appreciate the beauty and depth of global craftsmanship while reflecting on the threads that bind humanity together.
Sourcing Materials from Pakistan
NM: The materials from Pakistan were essential in shaping the final look and feel of the installation, highlighting the country’s mastery of traditional techniques combined with modern design sensibilities. Locally sourced woods, such as teak, sheesham (rosewood), and walnut, were selected for their strength, rich textures, and warm hues. These timbers were either intricately carved or kept in their natural form, paying homage to Pakistan’s woodworking traditions.
We also integrated semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli, turquoise, and agate, treasured for their vivid colours and historical significance in South Asian art. Used as inlays or decorative accents, they added richness and symbolic depth, creating a harmonious fusion of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Reimagining Pietra Dura
MA: Pietra dura, first perfected in Renaissance Florence and later embraced by Mughal artisans, has long been part of South Asia’s architectural and decorative legacy, seen in icons like the Taj Mahal and Lahore Fort. For the ‘Zeitoun’ (Olive) Sculpture, we adapted this flat mosaic technique into the spherical forms of the Misbah beads, combining it with repoussé brasswork to create depth and tactile detail. The choice of green serpentine stone reinforces the olive’s symbolism of peace, lending an organic, grounding quality to the piece.
For the ‘Nakhl’ (Palm Tree) Sculpture, we began with carved wooden spheres that celebrated the natural beauty of the grain. Thousands of hand-carved stone beads were then hammered into the wood, enhancing its texture and colour. The motifs drew inspiration from Middle Eastern and South Asian decorative traditions, embodying both historic resonance and contemporary aesthetics. The artisans themselves felt a deep personal connection to the themes of peace and unity embedded in the sculptures.
Message for Visitors
NM: We hope visitors leave with a renewed appreciation for the cultural ties that connect us all. This installation is an invitation to celebrate heritage, value traditional skills, and marvel at the beauty that emerges when different worlds of craftsmanship converge. Every pattern, material, and symbol tells a story, one that bridges time, geography, and tradition.