Liwan Design Studios and Labs in Doha, Qatar, is hosting an Open Day event on October 28 from 5pm to 9pm. This community-building event will showcase the latest multidisciplinary design experiments and research projects in Qatar, with a focus on kitchen design. The exhibition titled “Kitchen Comics” curated by artist Natasha Fernandes features the work of 17 students from VCUarts Qatar, exploring the various aspects of a kitchen beyond just food storage.
The exhibition aims to highlight how kitchens can be sites of memory making, creativity, sharing, tradition, and change. Through visual storytelling and comic narrative, the exhibition seeks to capture the intangible cultural heritage of kitchens, emphasizing research, collaboration, and cultural literacy. This event offers a unique opportunity for the public to explore curated showcases by the local creative community and interact with interdisciplinary designers, creative business owners, and artists.
Renowned fashion designer Mohamed Benchellal, a Liwan resident, will be present at the Open Day to discuss his upcoming couture exhibition at the National Museum of Qatar. The exhibition, inspired by Qatar’s landscape, blends tradition and contemporary innovation. Benchellal will showcase couture dresses created during his residency at Liwan, aiming to spotlight Arab design and encourage regional support and collaboration. Visitors will have the chance to visit Benchellal’s studio, interact with the designer, and learn about his process and experiences.
Aisha Bint Nasser Al Sowaidi, Director of Liwan Design Studios and Labs, encourages visitors to explore the various creative spaces at Liwan and witness the innovative design work taking place there. The Open Day provides an opportunity for creatives across Qatar to connect, exchange ideas, attend talks and workshops, showcase their work, and experiment with design. In addition to Benchellal’s studio, visitors can explore other open studios at Liwan, including Dunes and Dudungs, The Textile Studio, and Contrast in Clay, offering a diverse range of design installations and exhibitions.
Dunes and Dudungs is a collaborative project focusing on the unique ecosystem of the Gulf region and global concerns about climate change, which will be featured at the 2025 London Design Biennial. The Textile Studio, in collaboration with Heenat Salma Farm, will specialize in weaving and sustainable textile practices led by Farideh Barani. Contrast in Clay, an exhibition by Liwan member Morgane Lopez, explores notions of volume and space through ceramics. The event promises an exciting opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the world of design, creativity, and innovation at Liwan Design Studios and Labs.
