Reviving Name-Giving Traditions: Shany Abdallah Naji

Shany Dvora's Experimental Design Inspired by Ancestral Heritage

Dvora's project is a series of graphic works that seek to rekindle the tradition of naming a newborn after their father and grandfather. This tradition was disrupted upon her family's arrival in Israel from Iraq. The discovery of her family's immigration papers sparked Dvora's interest in this tradition and led her to question her own place within her family's lineage.

The Shany Abdallah Naji series is unique in its approach, combining historical research with personal exploration. Dvora's designs are inspired by 12th-15th century Hebrew manuscripts from Iraq, Yemen, and Morocco, integrating these influences into her modern graphic works. The result is a visually striking blend of past and present, tradition and innovation.

These designs are not only visually compelling but also serve as a testament to the power of names. As Dvora discovered, names can carry within them the changes of tradition and culture, acting as a living record of a family's history. This realization led her to question her own name's place within her family's ancestry, inspiring her to create this series.

Shany Abdallah Naji was created using mixed media, with four works measuring 50*70 cm and one work measuring 75*70 cm. The project was undertaken in Israel between 2018 and 2019. The series has been recognized for its creativity and innovation, winning the Silver A' Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Award in 2021.

Through Shany Abdallah Naji, Dvora has not only revived a lost tradition but also created a powerful exploration of identity and heritage. Her work serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding our past and the role it plays in shaping our present and future.