With delicate brush movements, Tunisian artist Zohra Zarougui sprinkles bright-colored patterns in a pan of oily water, creating unique pieces using the little-known techniques of the art of marbling, according to Reuters.
Popular in Turkey and parts of Central Asia, marbling or 'Ebru' is an ancient technique in which the artist "paints on water", using dyes, an oily water-based solution, and other tools. The swirly patterns are then transferred onto a sheet of paper, canvas or cloth dipped in the water.
About her connection with the old Arabic cities from where she inspires her creative works, artist and Ebru researcher Zohra Zarougui said: "It is an existential and philosophic one that mixes art and humanity. Old cities are masterpieces that give the artist the inspirational energy he needs to create."
Zarougui studied Ebru art abroad, and now practices it in her kitchen, creating pieces inspired by distinct patterns of old cities in the Arab world.
"It takes years of research to be able to bring out the history of this art and its techniques and methods. The experience lasted for several years outside the country, with a lot of courage and sacrifice," she added.
"This art form is not taught in Tunisia, so I traveled abroad, learned it, and had a master's degree in it. Then, I returned to Tunisia after years of research and experiments," she noted.
Zarougui hopes to shed light on this art's rare beauty and inspire others to learn it. The young artist displays her work in various galleries, and sometimes gives classes teaching Ebru techniques.
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Israel Opens to Solo Tourists for 1st Time since Pandemic
Monday, 1 November, 2021 - 11:15
People wearing protective face masks arrive at the Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, Nov. 1, 2021. Israel on Monday began welcoming individual tourists for the first time since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
Israel on Monday began welcoming individual tourists for the first time since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
Authorities hope that opening the country's gates to solo travelers will breathe new life into the struggling tourism industry. Before the pandemic, the Christmas season saw hundreds of thousands of people visit Bethlehem, believed to be birthplace of Jesus, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Israel had planned to reopen to tourists last spring but delayed the move amid a spike in cases driven by the highly contagious delta variant. Israel has since rolled out a booster campaign in which nearly half the population has received a third vaccine dose, driving cases back down, The Associated Press reported.
Travelers must show proof of vaccination, a booster shot, or recovery from coronavirus within the last six months. Authorities recognize most vaccines, but those vaccinated with Russia’s Sputnik must undergo a serological test upon arrival.
Travelers must also present a negative coronavirus test before boarding their flights and take another one upon arrival.
Throughout the pandemic, Israel has allowed some foreigners to visit, including people with close relatives in the country and people coming for work or study. It began allowing organized tour groups in September.
SOURCE : AASWAT
