Upcoming Event: Design Days Dubai March 16-20

Design Days Dubai, the first and only collectible contemporary design fair in the Middle East and Asia which will run from March 16-20 alongside Art Dubai.  A record 44 exhibitors from 20 different countries will bring an impressive selection of original pieces by established and emerging designers to The Venue, the purpose-built exhibition space near the base of the iconic Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai.

This year’s fair assembles some of the world’s best contemporary design galleries such as Carpenters Workshop Gallery and Southern Guild, South Africa’s leading design gallery, David Gill and Gallery FUMI, both from London plus a host of leading exhibitors who will be showing work by leading designers, architects and craftsmen and women.

Cyril Zammit, Fair Director of Design Days Dubai, said: “Design Days Dubai continues to cultivate recognition and awareness for design in the region, establishing Dubai as a global cultural hub.”

Held in strategic partnership with Dubai Culture & Arts Authority – the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, arts and heritage – the Fair is also supported by Maison Van Cleef & Arpels, the renowned French jewellery brand, Emaar and Audi. The sponsors will each work in collaboration with established and emerging designers to present installations and exhibitions

Highlights

Highlights of this year’s show, include the Posa Project presented by the Carwan Gallery in Beirut, takes a look at the traditional falconry culture of the region.  Italian designer Massimo Faion has been commissioned to create a beautiful yet practical perch for falcons to rest upon during training. The perch can be dismantled and adapted to suit different surfaces and environments and has been made from brass.  Live falcons on the stand will demonstrate the perch.

The Fatema Bint Mohammed Initiative, based in Abu Dhabi, blends entrepreneurship with sustainability. Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Hohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahayan has set up a project to offer employment and training for women in the weaving industry. The carpets produced through FBMI are made from Afghan wool and sold to support the project. There will be demonstrations of traditional weaving at the stand.

Naqsh Design House, established by Nermeen Naqsh and her two sisters, Shireen and Nisreen (an architect), produces designs and artwork inspired by contemporary and traditional Arabic aesthetics. This collection is based on traditional needlework and incorporates the language of ‘tatreez’ (embroidery) which has been interpreted on new surfaces such as engraved corian and brass. The sisters recently held an auction of artworks in support of people who’ve been injured in the conflict in Gaza.

Lebanese design foundation, House of Today, presents a series of limited edition works under the heading ‘Naked – Beyond the social mask’ which invites designers to work outside their comfort zone. For example, Naja El Zein collection called Sensorial Brushes features pieces made from unusual materials such as nails, eyelashes and feathers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The worlds of crafts and technology come together in several stellar iterations startring with the new Brass Collection by Zhoujie Zhang (top left)  which will be shown by Gallery ALL from Beijing, China. Zhoujie’s works and design principles are taken from the philosophies of Taoism. This new collection transforms digital programs into real objects. Aljoud Lootah (top right), based in Dubai has taken inspiration from geometric motifs to create original furniture.

German designer Jan Kath has broken with traditional carpet making techniques to develop his means of ‘eroding’ the surface of woven rugs to make look as if they’ve been walked upon by generations of people. He has produced a new carpet which will be shown for the first time byIwan Maktabi.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wiener Silber Manufactur, established in 1882, has worked closely with avant-garde artists throughout its history. For Design Days Dubai, the gallery will present a collection of silver vases by Iraqi-born architect Zaha Hadid.

 

 

 

 

Nakkash Gallery, based in Dubai, is offering an array of limited edition art pieces, furniture and accessories. Amongst the striking pieces on show will be a selection of sideboards by Portuguese designer, Jorje Moura, who combines material in a highly imaginative and creative way, reflecting his passion for architecture, fashion and nature.

 

 

 

 

 

Not to be missed, several examples of the Gentleman’s Valet will be on show at the fair including an example by Fiona Barratt-Campbell and by David Nicolas and Claude Missir for House of Today.

For more information about Design Days Dubai, and each participating gallery, please visit the bi-lingual website, www.designdaysdubai.ae.  Supporters can also keep up to date with the fair on the following social media channels: Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

For Press Information please contact: Camron PR, London

Email: designdaysdubai@camronpr.com

Ciara Phillips / Judith Fereday / Rosalind Freeborn

Tel: ++44(0)20 7420 1700