Design Days Dubai 2012
Dezeen promotion: the inaugural edition of Design Days Dubai will take place from 18 to 21 March 2012.
Top: Kinetism wall cabinet by Charles Kalpakian, prresented by Galerie BSL
Above: Ice Angel by Dominic Harris, presented by Priveekollektie
Design Days Dubai is the first fair in the Middle East and South Asia dedicated to collectible and limited-edition design.
Above: Shylight by Studio Drift
Exhibits will include an installation by interactive artist Dominic Harris that puts wings on the image of visitors plus pieces from Vienna design duo mischer‘traxler.
Above: Stamp Cutlery by Tomás Alonso, presented by Viktor Hunt Designart Dealer
Participating galleries include Victor Hunt of Belgium, Nilufar from Milan and Galerie BSL from Paris.
Above: 0121 chair by Jaeyho Lee, presented by Croft
The education program will feature trends forecasts from Li Edelkoort, a seminar on investing in design with Rabih Hage and lessons in weaving from Korean designer Kwangho Lee.
Above: Lathe console by Sebastian Brajkovic, presented by Carpenters Workshop Gallery
The event will be held in a purpose-built venue near the base of the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
Above: Miraki commode by Christiane Astuguevieille, presented by Franziska Kessler
More information on the Design Days Dubai website.
Here are some more details from Design Days Dubai:
Design Days Dubai will bring a fresh dimension to the region’s arts and design scene and, along with world-renowned contemporary art fair Art Dubai, will be an integral part of Art Week. “We are excited to present the first fair in the region focusing on rare and limited edition design,” says Cyril Zammit, Fair Director. “Dubai is established as the regional centre for contemporary art, and is a city known for its innovative approach to architecture: now is the perfect time to launch a major new event dedicated to contemporary design.”
The 22 participating galleries from 14 countries represent some of the world’s top-tier galleries specializing in 20th and 21st century collectible design and serve as a testament to the Fair’s expectations to draw influential clients and collectors from the region and industry luminaries from around the world. Two galleries, Sao Paulo’s +Coletivo Amor de Madre and Seoul’s Croft gallery, have both chosen Design Days Dubai for their first showcase of work outside their respective countries.
Above: Intarsia & Lathe 1 and 2 by Philippe Malouin, presented by Carwan Gallery
Significant works and new pieces held by the vibrant roster of galleries will be presented at the Fair, spanning the broad spectrum of collectable design, from French and Italian Mid-Century to Korean craft to modern Arabesque and cutting-edge contemporary work. They include work by Jedd Novatt, Guy de Rougemont (Galerie Diane de Polignac, Paris); Joseph Walsh (Nilufar, Milan), Christian Astuguvieille (Franziska Kessler, Zurich), Tomás Alonso (Victor Hunt Designart Dealer, Brussels), Charles Kalpakian (Galerie BSL, Paris) and Vito Selma (Nakkash Gallery, Dubai).
From the region, Beirut-based Carwan Gallery will present ‘Contemporary Perspectives in Middle Eastern Crafts,’ a groundbreaking project in which the gallery commissioned a selection of international designers to create a series of new, limited-edition objects in partnership with local artisans in the Middle East. Smogallery (Beirut) will exhibit entirely new work from regional designers Nathalie Khayat, Karim Chaya, Raphael Charles, Najla El Zein, Celia Abou Arbid and Majd Bazerji.
Above: Cedar folding screen by by Charles Kalpakian, presented by Galerie BSL
Visitors to the fair can view live performances including Studio Drift’s amazing ballet of lights, Shylight; the world premiere of Ice Angel by Dominic Harris – an interactive work that depicts wings on the visitors; and, Studio mischer‘traxler’s gradient mashrabiya, an installation piece composed of a network of more than 650 different single pieces of manually hand carved wood.
Alongside the galleries and installations, there will be an educational programme led by international designers and experts focusing on cultural exchange, contextualizing the gallery presentations and practical hands-on activities. The Khatt Foundation will explore the link between Arabic lettering and product design; Korean designer Kwangho Lee will share his skills in weaving with traditional Emirati materials; and, Brazilian designers Leo Capote and Amaury will lead interactive workshops co-creating new work with the fair’s visitors. In addition, there will be a series of individual portfolio and mentor sessions for local design students with designer Nada Debs; trends forecasts with Li Edelkoort; and a seminar on investing in design with Rabih Hage.
Above: Limited edition multiple low table by Raphael Charles, by smogallery
“With a fantastic list of galleries from all over the world and packed supporting programme, we believe Design Days Dubai will quickly establish itself as a forum for exploring contemporary and historic design both in the region and globally and address the growing demand for investment choices in art and design. These things combined make for incredibly exciting starting point,” says Zammit.
Design Days Dubai will be held at a purpose-built venue by the base of Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai, the flagship mega-development by Emaar Properties. The event is held in partnership with the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage, The Address Hotels + Resorts and design patrons Audi and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Above: Edna chair by Karim Chaya, presented by smogallery
Design Days Dubai schedule of events:
Sunday 18 March – Wednesday 21 March 2012
Public Hours of Admission:
Sunday 18 March: 4 - 10 pm
Monday 19 March: 4 - 10 pm
Tuesday 20 March: 12 - 6 pm
Wednesday 21 March: 2 - 8 pm
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Twitter: @designdaysdubai