PERFUME IN EXILE (عطر الغربة) At Friends Artspace
January 25 – April 26, 2025
Arlington Washington DC

Perfume in Exile (عطر الغربة) is a meditation on what we carry with us. The title is inspired by the French term, sillage, which describes how a scent lingers in the air. The exhibition considers the residues of place—both real and imagined—that persist through objects.
Drawing from their manifold cultural ties and contemporary design practices, these artists craft memory-laden, futurist works in ceramic, glass, textile, plaster and light—souvenirs of home that resound with intimacy and innovation.
The exhibition is co-curated by Laila Abdul-Hadi Jadallah.
Images credit: Ethan Hickerson

Sumuw سُموّ Vase:
سُموّ is an Arabic word that denotes superiority, honor, and dignity.
A nostalgic tribute to the elegant columns that adorned our childhood home, this ceramic vase captures the essence of architectural beauty and transforms it into a timeless piece of art. With its graceful form and delicate details, it evokes a sense of peace and tranquility, carrying a piece of home wherever it may reside.

Wahda وَهدة Vase:
‘وهدة’ is an Arabic word that means ‘a low-lying, peaceful land.’ It describes a serene, low-lying place that offers peace and quiet.
Inspired by the timeless image of women gracefully carrying water jugs atop their heads, these vases pay homage to a tradition as old as time. The distinctive downward tilt of the jars, a testament to the delicate balance required for such a feat, has been reimagined here as a symbol of mutual support. Despite the inherent instability of the task, the design evokes a sense of calm and tranquility, as if the two vessels were holding each other up in a silent act of solidarity.

“Whispers of the Palm Grove” Plates Collection.
In a nostalgic nod to cherished evenings, these drawings transform the graceful fronds of palm trees into flowing strands of hair, reminiscent of a mother’s loving touch. The trees themselves intertwine and embrace, forming a harmonious circle of unity. Some reach out in warm greetings, while others playfully carry or adorn their companions. One even stretches out, giving birth to a new generation of palm trees, a testament to the enduring cycle of life.
Hand-built and glazed in the historic heart of Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, these plates are imbued with the spirit of a place steeped in rich cultural heritage and surrounded by a breathtaking tapestry of palm trees.

Braided palm Wall Plates