Embroidered in Gold

In their collaboration, Adisa and Tarik explored traditional techniques, blending embroidery motifs with intricate gold work, where they reflected on themes of identity, connection, and heritage. This residency not only merged the creative processes of two distinct disciplines but also examined how cultural traditions can inspire innovation and foster collaboration.

As the Zenica City Museum poetically describes the residency: “… the two artistic, designer, architectural, and artisan souls combined two traditional crafts by borrowing motifs from traditional embroidery and weaving gold threads in an innovative goldsmithing process through design to create unique jewellery — “the tree of life” throughout this incredibly inspiring residence.”

About the Designer & Craftsperson

Adisa Džino Šuta is a heritage expert and designer who lives and works in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She draws her inspiration from heritage as a part of cultural identity and community, viewing it as an interconnected element in shaping personal identity. Her work has expanded to include design through the interpretation of heritage, revealing its meanings and symbolism, and storytelling through jewellery design that serves as a canvas for creative expression. She believes that jewellery inspired by heritage creates an emotional connection to one’s roots and fosters a sense of belonging. The meticulous craftsmanship of artisans is crucial, contributing to the preservation of traditional techniques. Adisa was a member of the team that won the BIG SEE Award 2021 (Landscape and Urban Space Design) for a multimedia exhibition on industrial heritage.

Growing up in his father’s goldsmith workshop, with an almost century-old tradition of producing gold jewellery, Tarik Musakadić, known as SAMUSA Jewelry, was captivated by the charms of the goldsmith’s craft from a young age. Fascinated by the secrets of creating gold jewellery, he never suspected that jewellery design would later become the cornerstone of his life.