Within the walls of Msheireb’s M7 gallery in Doha, Qatar, the Arab Design Now exhibition awaits visitors with a captivating journey through the evolution of Arab design. Running from February 24 to August 5, 2024, the exhibition brings together the works of 74 designers from the Middle East and North Africa region. The exhibition aims to preserve traditional craftsmanship that is at risk of being forgotten in today’s modern world. By incorporating traditional methods with modern innovations, artists are able to showcase the evolution of Arab designs while maintaining their cultural roots.
The exhibition features a diverse range of pieces that highlight the fusion of traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics. Upon entering, visitors are met with Studio Anne Holtrop’s “Sites – New Sites, 2023,” a playful art piece that allows visitors to create new combinations of landscapes using cast resin and natural elements from Qatar. Jordanian designer Nahla Tabba’s “As Above, so below 2023” captures the passage of time through a decayed fabric artwork, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between nature and art. Moroccan architect Salima Najee’s “Sharing the Earth (Spatial Interiorities), 2023” emphasizes the sustainability of traditional raw earth building techniques, advocating for eco-friendly practices in regions with scarce resources.
Qatari artist Abdulrahman Al-Muftah pays tribute to traditional sadhu weavers in Qatar with his installation, “Palm Fiber Carpet,” symbolizing growth and continuous learning. Mesmerizing Egyptian sculptures depicting mythological beings showcase the rich cultural heritage of Egypt, while Moroccan artist Amine Asselman’s “Metamorphosis, 2023” innovatively preserves the art of Zalij through mathematical patterns and hand-cut ceramic tessarae. Hamza Kadiri’s wooden sculptures, created using the Shou-Sugi-Ban technique, highlight the natural beauty of ash wood with bold curves and textured surfaces.
The exhibition also features the crown jewel, “The Green Bridal Chest,” a masterpiece created by the sister duo Nisreen and Nermeen Abudail. Combining traditional Palestinian embroidery with brass and green marble, this piece pays homage to the region’s cultural heritage while incorporating modern elements. Kuwaiti artist Mohammad Sharaf’s “Brickbooks” serve as a contemporary form of archaeology, preserving the stories and images of forgotten places in Kuwait. Through these diverse works, the exhibition celebrates the enduring legacy of Arab craftsmanship and the innovative spirit of contemporary designers.
By showcasing the fusion of traditional methods with modern techniques, the Arab Design Now exhibition promotes the preservation of ancient traditions in the modern world. This harmonious blend of old and new ensures that the rich cultural heritage of the Arab world continues to thrive for generations to come. With each piece telling its own unique story, visitors are invited to explore the evolution of Arab design and appreciate the creativity and craftsmanship of artists from the MENA region. The exhibition serves as a powerful testament to the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of rapid modernization, ensuring that traditional arts and crafts are not forgotten in the fast-paced world of today.
