Idil Abdullahi

I accepted the invitation to be part of this exhibition because it was my first time working with the museum collection in person, and I thought that this would be a great opportunity to create within a meaningful framework that would challenge me and also push me to explore new possibilities that expand my practice.

There were many, many fascinating works in the collection, but the two that really resonated with me the most were a kohl pot from Egypt in the 18th dynasty, and a white bead bundle. The kohl pot really connected me with my mum, who still uses one today.

The other artifact I reference for my work, Kausar, is a white seed bundle. In the initial stages of drawing and developing ideas I considered focusing solely on either the kohl pot or the bead bundle. As the ideas evolved, they gradually merged into one cohesive concept which felt really incredibly satisfying. Throughout the creation of this work, there were many moments where I felt I had a breakthrough, which was really precious to me, and where the work really felt right to me.

My process began with a week-long residency at the museum with the other artists involved in the project, and during this time I focused really on listening and learning and absorbing the stories and the details and the history of each artefact.

I hope that the viewers can get as close to the work as possible, because each bead was hand-cut and made by me, and no two are alike.

I've also strived really to maintain the integrity of the reference materials in my work, which creates this beautiful, seamless connection and continuity from the past to the present.