Hussein Shikha

They Who Saw Nothing but Beauty 

In ‘They Who Saw Nothing but Beauty’ artist Hussein Shikha creates large woven wall hangings inspired by the visual language of southern Iraq (Mesopotamia), Islamic art and Shi’a symbolism. In these textiles, Shikha refers to events from the Battle of Karbala, a key narrative within the Shi’a tradition. 

Shikha combines recognisable elements from historical landscapes with scenes that feel dreamlike and magical. One example is the appearance of a two-faced figure, based on Sayyida Zaynab, one of the most revered female figures in Islamic history, known for her courage and influence. The wall hangings are composed of countless small patterns, almost like pixels, placed closely together. This density invites slow looking: viewers can continually discover new details and assign their own meanings to the work. 

The work was shown in October 2025 during the Open Studios at the Jan van Eyck Academie in Maastricht, and in the exhibition ‘Here and Then, Now and There’ at Het Bos in Antwerp from 27 November to 12 December 2025. In April 2026, the work will be presented at the Design Doha Biennale. 

Photo courtesy of Jan van Eyck Academie