Textile artist and academic Nabila Nabi, originally from Bangladesh and now based in Manchester, UK, is gaining international acclaim for her distinctive approach to weaving that fuses cultural heritage, ecological awareness, and modern artistic expression.
Rooted in the folk traditions of Bangladesh, Nabila’s artistic journey began with formal studies in Crafts at the University of Dhaka, where she completed both her BFA and MFA. Her passion for exploring deeper connections between tradition and contemporary themes led her to the UK, where she earned an MA in Contemporary Fine Art from the University of Salford in 2023 under the Global Gold Excellence Scholarship.
Nabila’s works are known for their lyrical interplay of texture, colour, and symbolism, drawing on themes of nature’s cycles, cultural memory, and human vulnerability. Her recent installations explore pressing issues such as environmental degradation through visual metaphors steeped in folk symbolism.
“My work reflects the belief that nature’s soul never dies—it transforms and returns in new forms, Nabila said. “Weaving allows me to express this transformation and the timeless dialogue between nature, culture, and humanity.”
At her 2023 degree show at the University of Salford, Nabila presented a powerful installation focused on deforestation, featuring a symbolic tree sculpture and a haunting image of a baby in the womb. The piece drew attention to the ‘interdependence of ecological health and human survival’, resonating strongly with audiences and critics alike.
Nabila cites textile art pioneer Sheila Hicks as a major influence, especially in using texture as a form of language. Her practice blends traditional weaving techniques with contemporary forms, creating works that are at once visually striking and deeply narrative.
Her tapestries have been exhibited widely across Asia, Europe, Australia, the UK, and the United States, and are housed in both private and public collections. She has taken part in major exhibitions, including the 7th and 8th Beijing International Art Biennale, and has held solo and group exhibitions in Turkey, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Australia, India, and Bhutan.
Committed to sustainable art practices and cultural exchange, Nabila has conducted textile art workshops in countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Turkey. In 2019, she was selected for a residency in Finland funded by the Artist Grant of the Prince Claus Fund (Netherlands).
Later this year, Nabila is set to showcase her work at an arts festival in Algeria and an international exhibition in Dubai, continuing her trajectory as a leading figure in contemporary textile art.
By seamlessly weaving together folk motifs, environmental themes, and modern aesthetics, Nabila Nabi is establishing herself as a powerful voice in global art—one that tells stories not only through fabric, but through the enduring dialogue between humanity, nature, and culture.
