Where Art Meets Fashion: Introducing Artist Israa Shajar and Hashaba Shop

In recent years, art has converged with fashion, going hand in hand in the evolution of apparel. We’ve seen it in some of the world’s most loved fashion brand names such as Prada, Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen, Andy Warhol and even Converse.

The fashion is slowly booming in Sudan with artists experimenting with different mediums on various art platforms including things we wear. One of the finest examples of where art meets fashion in Sudan’s thriving scene of wearable art is Hashaba Shop, founded by 34-year-old Sudanese artist Israa Mohamed Radhi Shajar. At Hashaba Shop, find apparel with colourful works of art created by Shajar herself. As the well-known Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde once said, ‘One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art.’

Shajar designs unique hand-painted handbags, footwear and more with an aesthetic for afro-futuristic art and colours that pop. On Hashaba Shop, her collection of handbags and footwear, come in pairs with contemporary art designs mostly African-inspired with brightly coloured patterns.

In addition to running Hashaba Shop, Shajar is an arts coordinator of Collage Talent Center at the Sharjah Ladies Club in the UAE. She graduated from the Jordanian Sudanese College for Science and Technology with a bachelor’s degree in an Electronics Engineering – Telecommunications. In recent years. Shajar has participated in several art exhibitions in the UAE, including “The Beauty Of Women” with Art Hub Abu Dhabi Gallery in Abu Dhabi World Trade Center, “World Art Dubai” with Noon Art Gallery in Dubai World Trade Center and “African Culture” with Art Hub Dubai Gallery in Dubai Design District.

500 Words Magazine interviews artist Israa Mohamed Radhi Shajar about her artwork and running her online art and fashion shop, Hashaba Shop.

What inspired you to become an artist? 

My passion towards art started at a very early age. I remember I was at grade 3 when I released my very first series of art works inspired by kids magazines characters.

As I am growing I received a great support from my mother who registered me in multiple Arts camps, then I was able to produce more works and participate in schools exhibitions.

During the years, I worked on enhancing my art skills using the YouTube art learning channels. I also joined a group for expert artists where I met the amazing artist and photographer Mr Abd Al-Mageed Ashria. I am endlessly grateful that he introduced me to different techniques and mediums in the portrait art that I do, making my vision very clear. 

Family, close friends and colleagues showed me big support to take what I do more serious and start showing the world my pieces and participate on well-evaluated exhibitions. There initiated my artist tile. Having said all that, I cannot claim that I made a conscious decision to become an artist, it happened gradually.

How have you grown and progressed as an artist?

I started by using pencils on my drawing then I was introduced to different mediums like pastels, acrylic and oil paints. I learnt my actual portrait drawing using the pastels and charcoal then I tried oil colours and acrylics which later on became my main mediums on producing art pieces. I like using the water colours but I am still on the learning stage.

When I planned to paint on shoes, I decided to use my leather paintings, which was part of a leather art project that I haven’t launched yet. The first time I tried them was on my own and friends old shoes, I liked how rich the colours were and how it magically turned the old shoes into new pieces. Hence, that’s how it all started. 

How would you describe your artwork?

I am inspired by my attraction towards the African life, costume, women, happiness and suffering, nature, and African rhythms and dances, which take me to another level of inspirational creativity. That is clearly reflected in my choices of artwork and art projects. From the first glimpse, you will be able to see that African portraits, models, dances and their way of life is present in my art pieces. I like to express the dances in the African community, traditions that indicate strong beliefs and interactions, celebrating the passage from childhood to adulthood, or spiritual worship. Drumbeats and the movement of the shoulders, chest, pelvis, arms and legs will give one another the sense of belonging, the time to connect with each other and be part of the social life in which the young and old, rich and poor, men and women are all invited to contribute to the society.

When did you establish Hashaba Shop and what drove you to establish it?

• Hashaba Shop started on 16 March 2020, which is the date that I have officially declared the launch of my business and showcased my first product. 
• The idea started from the reusing concept, as I experienced adding different colors to my old pair of shoes and hand bag creating my own set. I uploaded the set I designed on my Facebook page and surprisingly received a great compliment; I started receiving orders without prior planning. Hence, I did my feasibility and business study then started officially.

Tell us more about Hashaba Shop and the style of work you do. Also, what does Hashaba mean?

• The shop showcases fresh on-trend merchandise, unique handmade designs for all ages and genders including all sorts of footwear, handbags, belts, caps, wallets, cell phone cases and paintings. 
• Hashaba is an Arabic name of the gum Arabic tree. The title initiative planned by my brother. He got the inspiration from an old perfume shop called “Hashaba”, owned by my late father (May Allah grant him mercy and forgiveness).

How can interested customers purchase items from your shop?

Clients could review all the works, enquire and order through the Facebook page Hashaba shop دكان هشابة  or they can visit the Instagram account: @hashaba.shop.

The website is under process and will soon be launched to offer online shopping.

What is in the future for Israa Shajar and Hashaba Shop?

Working on business expansion, market and business development researches and work progression tools in order to establish local and international brand in collaboration with dedicated factories.

For more information about Hashaba Shop, visit the Instagram account @hashaba.shop or Facebook page.