Highlights from the inaugural Design Doha Biennale
The inaugural Design Doha Biennale runs until Aug. 5 and offers a platform for designers from across the Middle East to showcase their creativity through a variety of projects.
On view at M7 in Doha, the central exhibition is titled
“Arab Design Now” and was curated by Rana Beiruti who chose to feature more than 70 designers.
“The works on display showcase a commitment by designers from the Arab world to present rich heritage-based traditions and rituals from the region while also reinterpreting them and adapting them,” Beiruti told Arab News. “This is a representation of the Arab nation because the borders that exist in our part of the world are imposed borders. We were all, kind of, one people before with similar cultures and traditions. A large stonework structure made in a triangular, tent-like form that emulates the pointed arches found across Palestine, Syria and Lebanon appears prominently on the second floor of the exhibition space. Titled “Tiamat” (2023), it is by Palestinian architects and brothers Elias and
Yousef Anastas.
“‘Tiamat' is part of our ongoing research ‘Stone Matters' that is advocating for a contemporary use of structural stone in architecture in Palestine and elsewhere … (we have) been particularly interested in the politics of stone use for low carbon footprint structures, more resilient cities and more responsible quarry exploitation,” Elias Anastas told Arab News. Nearby is an elaborately rendered dresser titled “Bridal
Chest” by Jordanian collective Naqsh, by sisters Nisreen and Nermeen Abu Dail.
“This piece was inspired by a Palestinian bridal bag where the bride places all of her attire that she then carries to her husband's house,” Nermeen Abu Dail told Arab News. “The chest is made in onyx stone and hand cut
(with) inlaid pieces of brass.”
“It is all very subtle but the works on show, and the journey it takes visitors on, reveals a profound story,” Design Doha Artistic Director Glenn Adamson told Arab News.