Design Days Dubai has always been an inclusive event which supports diversity from their exhibitors. And this years’ show proves just that.
This year, Design Days Dubai opens its doors to eight new countries to showcase their works- Algeria, Austria, China, Hungary, Japan, Jordan, Pakistan and Portugal. These new countries, along with other recurring exhibitors, will be able to show how traditional craft skills have been a source of inspiration for contemporary designers.
Among the featured designs from the new countries is the Clear Edition & Gallery from Tokyo. Koichiro Kimura has drawn his inspiration from his family’s 400 years of lacquer mastery and applies it to his own identity as a former punk to create a new language of modern Japanese design. Tokyo-based Swiss Claudio Colluci will also present his works within this gallery which embodies both his lineage and the environment he is currently in. The European’s creation has an innate quiet strength and purity to it which Colluci thinks expresses his idea of Japanese design.
Another new exhibitor is Amman-based architect and designer Nisreen Abu Dail who has incorporated the identity of Jordan into the language of all her designs. Abu Dail’s works are distinctively streamlined and contemporary but has an innate powerful air into them. Abu Dail said, “Jordanian taste is very sophisticated. We have been exposed to international thinking for several generators, through travel and a very good education system. We are very open and yet we want to express our unique character, not imitate others.”
Algerian Amel Boudebbouze, who has curated the works of nine Algerian designers in her exhibit for the Algerian Agency for Cultural Outreach, also share the same sentiments. “Very few people outside of Algeria are even aware that we have designers, let alone anything about their approach.” She shared, “Most of the work being done is very contemporary with only subtle references to our heritage.”
Design Days Dubai is on its third year and the show runs from March 17-March 21, 2014.
