Entertainment | Visual Arts
Together by design
Artworks with verses from the Quran are displayed alongside hand-carved wooden cabinets inspired by Moorish motifs. Silver and gold candleholders add to the glitter of Swarovski-crystal-studded mobile phones.
- By Jyoti Kalsi, Special To Weekend Review
- Published: 23:34 September 13, 2007
- Portrait of Omar Sharrif.
- Image Credit:
Artworks with verses from the Quran are displayed alongside hand-carved wooden cabinets inspired by Moorish motifs. Silver and gold candleholders add to the glitter of Swarovski-crystal-studded mobile phones.
A portrait of Arab diva Fairuz hangs beside a collage composed from Italian Murano glass. And Plexiglas tables with Arabesque patterns echo the colours on handmade beaded bags.
These diverse art objects are all part of the Design meets Art exhibition at XVA Gallery, Dubai. The show has brought together artists and designers from different parts of the globe to explore the rich and intense dialogue between art and design.
"XVA wants to be a gateway for cultural dialogue and experimentation, and we constantly try to introduce fresh ideas and new talents. The idea for this show developed from the International Design Forum we organised in May. We have brought together some of the most talented artists and designers in the world to address the relationship between art and design," says Mitra Khoubrou, managing director of the gallery and curator of the show.
"The disciplines of art and design are connected in terms of the creativity they demand, the meaning they have for people and their impact on society. We have initiated a dialogue by putting together in our display art and furniture that are convergent in terms of the message, mode of expression or use of colours. But ultimately, the show is about creating connections between people," Khoubrou adds.
A perfect example of creations that straddle two cultures and blur the distinction between art and design is the furniture from Tavola Rasa, designed by Sameh Al Shahat. Born in Cairo and raised in the United Kingdom, Sameh uses influences from European and Islamic art to create his exclusive designs. "I believe in bringing back traditional crafts and knowledge into modern furniture. Each of my pieces is made and finished by hand, ensuring that it is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. This is art as functional furniture and truly belongs in an art gallery," Sameh says.
The eight pieces he is exhibiting are united by the theme of identity. "With the world becoming a global village, identity is an important issue. I specifically chose these pieces for my first exhibition here because Dubai is a melting pot of cultures and people here can identify with this theme," Sameh says.
Each of his pieces explores this issue in different ways. For instance, he looks at cultural conflict through a set of die-shaped chests where he has juxtaposed two different aspects of Spanish history by carving the coat of arms of the Moorish rulers of Granada and a Christian saint who fought against the Moors on the drawers and the faces of the die.
Another chest called Beyond Black combines a classic curved European silhouette with traditional Turkish tulip motifs carved on the drawers. The dark mahogany drawers have gold leaf finishing on the inside as a metaphor for the designer's Arab origin and British upbringing.
A cabinet from Sameh's Passport series is inlaid with the Union Jack. "In a world battling with terrorism, your passport is very important. I see this cabinet as my British passport, which due to its size cannot be easily stolen," Sameh says.
A mirror titled Gate of Wisdom, deals with a more personal search for identity by inviting introspection. And, the words of a well-known 7th century Arab poet inscribed in silver leaf on the frame serve as a guide in a soul's search. Similarly, Sameh's Seat of Your Pants chair is designed to help people get comfortable with themselves.
Sameh's work is beautifully complemented by Abol Atighetchi's art. Born in Iran, the Paris-based artist creates calligraphic works on canvas and wood, drawing inspiration from the great Persian poet Rumi.
Cross cultural influences can also be seen in the artworks and furniture created by Manola Moretti. Born in Rome, Manola has lived most of her life in the United States. Her studies in biology influence many of her designs such as the Plexiglas table with a chicken composed of coloured Murano glass baubles. Also part of this exhibition are her interesting mixed-media representations of modern day icons such as Chelsea owner Abramovich and singer Eminem.
Lebanese artist Laudi Abilama also does portraits but she has chosen to paint contemporary Arab icons. The UK-educated artist's work is greatly influenced by Andy Warhol. "I began by painting Western stars but after returning to Beirut I felt that it is more relevant to paint people who represent us as Arabs and who we look up to," Laudi says. Although her style is Minimalist, the images are strong, powerfully capturing the personalities of well-loved stars such as Fairuz, Omar Sharif and Umm Kalthoum.
"My composition and colours are influenced by Warhol but I am now experimenting with glitter, more textures and Islamic patterns in the background. I am thrilled that my paintings have been displayed alongside the work of Sameh and Manola," Laudi says.
Inspired by the Palestinian flag
Twins Dina and Lina also take pride in depicting their Palestinian origin and Arab heritage in the bags they create for their label, 7 minutes. Born seven minutes apart in Ras Al-Khaimah, the sisters studied graphic art in New York.
Their creations range from sequin-embellished linen handbags and clutches crafted from wooden beads, to leather purses inspired by the Palestinian flag and traditional Arab head scarves. "It is great to be part of this show because we see our work as functional art," they say.
Lebanese designer Nada Debs also revels in her Arab roots. Debs grew up in Japan, studied design in the US and worked in the UK before moving back to Beirut. She combines modern design elements with traditional craftsmanship to create contemporary versions of heritage pieces.
Her exhibits in this show include an interesting range of Plexiglas furniture such as the Ali Baba Cabinet with a coloured mashrabiyah pattern inlaid on the doors, the Arabian Nights mirror and the Nostalgia stools decorated with prints from Ottoman times.
Continuing this theme are award-winning designs from Turkish home accessories brand Gaia&Gino.
The candle holders, vases, bowls and decorative pieces - in porcelain, crystal, silver and gold - beautifully combine traditional Turkish motifs and Arabic calligraphy with cutting edge design concepts.
Adding sparkle to the show is UAE-based designer Layal, who expresses her creativity by transforming everyday objects such as mobile phones, MP3 players, car keys, cigarette lighters, candles, books and prayer beads into exclusive designer items by decorating them with Swarovski crystals. "Each customised piece I create is unique and designed to suit the personality of the owner," says Layal. "This is my first exhibition ever and I am honoured to be included among well-known artists from around the world," she adds.
Also representing the UAE at this show are several artists from Brownmonkeys, a group of multidisciplinary artists based in Dubai. Design students from the American University of Sharjah have also been invited to exhibit their work.
Design Jordan, a venture that offers tailored product design services is also displaying several interesting design ideas such as bookends with versatile configurations.
Design meets Art will continue at XVA in the Bastakiya art quarter till October 4. The gallery is open from 9am to 9pm, Saturday to Thursday.
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