M7 – Qatar’s epicentre for innovation and entrepreneurship in fashion, design and technology – today opened an exhibition marking the conclusion of the fourth edition of the Zwara Programme, showcasing bespoke creations by four selected designers who participated in the programme. The exhibition, held at M7’s Learning Space, is open to the public until 18 December 2024.
The opening was attended by a number of dignities including Qatar Museums Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi, among many others from the creative industry. The annual initiative, which was developed by M7, is a fluid programme that seeks to spark creativity and collaboration against the backdrop of Qatar’s creative landscape, showcasing the importance of storytelling, and experimentation in design. This iteration of the programme coincided with M7’s blockbuster exhibition Masterpieces of Furniture Design (2023) and invited participants to a week-long trip at the prestigious Vitra Design Museum in Germany.
‘At M7, we are proud to create initiatives and programmes such as Zwara that nurture and support up and coming creatives,’ said Maha Al Sulaiti, Director of M7. ‘The culminating exhibition for this year’s edition of Zwara showcases the results of the 10-month long mentorship journey the participating artists embarked on. It highlights not only their process but also captures the collaborative spirit, creativity, and innovation that resulted from this programme. It’s a testament to the incredible craftmanship that characterises our local design community.’
Tailored and facilitated by M7, the 10-month long mentorship programme guided the designers through an incubation period led by partners, Vitra Design Museum and FROMM, resulting in four contemporary pieces that will be featured in the exhibition. Key pieces include:
- The Waiting Chair by Stephen Amoyo, multidisciplinary designer: A piece that blends Virgil Abloh’s design philosophy with Jean Prouvé’s iconic works, resulting in a striking contemporary furniture piece. The chair embodies a fusion of Prouvé’s silhouette and Abloh’s creative ethos, while its modular design invites ongoing contributions from future designers and the broader community.
- WeaveO by Abdul Basit blends traditional Sadu weaving techniques with the Dutch Art Movement, creating a distinctive design that unites past and present. This console piece reinterprets the story of Bedouin society by transforming its geometric patterns and motifs into a modern form. WeaveO captures the essence of adaptability, weaving historical influences into a contemporary narrative that redefines the craft, offering a fresh perspective and an innovative design language.
- Nusj by Hammam Al Abdulla, interior designer: drawing inspiration from Marcel Breuer’s iconic Wassily Chair, which reimagined the club chair and distilled it to its essential lines and planes, Al Abdullah redefines and incorporates local Qatari concepts in his chair, Nusj; meaning to weave in Arabic, with asymmetrical lines that wrap around a redefined structure, reflecting both personal and communal use.
- Saraab by Galyiah Al Mohannadi, interior and furniture designer: Named Saraab Aquot; meaning mirage in English, this experimental bookcase invites interaction with its rotating structure, redefining what a bookcase can offer. Inspired by Charlotte Perriand’s iconic; Bibliothèque Aquot; Al Mohannadi reinterprets bookshelf design with locally sourced polychromatic glass, creating distinct modular units that allow for flexible configurations. Curated by Jumanah Abbas, the exhibition offers a comprehensive exploration of the creative processes behind each designer’s work. Visitors are invited to engage with a collection that includes research notes, sketches, material samples, and final products, showcasing the intricate journey from concept to creation. Each displayed piece offers a detailed look into modern craftsmanship and the designers creative processes. The exhibition also features a special collaboration with students from the Interior Design programme at VCUarts Qatar. Miniatures; presents a collection of innovative furniture designs, each piece reflecting a deep exploration of materials, contemporary design trends, and manufacturing techniques. This section showcases the final prototypes of a comprehensive design process, where creativity meets craftsmanship, offering fresh perspectives on the interiors of tomorrow.
M7 is committed to supporting emerging talent across various creative fields, offering opportunities for young professionals to be involved in the creation of the exhibition. This year, emerging exhibition designer and VCUarts Qatar graduate Raneem Arafeh created the design of the exhibition, working closely with the curator and participating designers to translate the curatorial vision into an immersive spatial experience. In addition, Alanoud Al Ghamdi, a freelance photographer, captured the images for the editorial campaign, further highlighting M7’s dedication to encouraging young creatives across the design ecosystem.
The exhibition will run until 18 December 2024, Saturday to Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, and Friday from 3:30 pm to 9 pm at M7, Floor 1, Learning Space. Admission is free.
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