Crafting Uzbekistan: Tradition in Threads
On the occasion of the inaugural Design Doha Biennial, an immersive showcase blending Uzbekistan's rich craft tradition with contemporary creativity is on display at M7.
The "Crafting Uzbekistan: Tradition in Threads" exhibition aligns with the event's goals of celebrating artistic diversity and fostering creative innovation. Initially focusing on wood and textile crafts, the exhibition showcases an exceptional array of both historical and contemporary objects. Visitors attention will be attracted by the display of handwoven silk Ikat and Bakhmal fabrics, alongside intricately carved wooden traditional objects. This showcase contributing to the vibrant tapestry of global cultural exchange and artistic innovation.
To support Design Doha Biennial’s main theme ‘Celebration Regional Design Excellence’, the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation commissioned Bahrain-based Shepherd Studio to create an innovative and contemporary exhibition design. With the use of 'optical weaving,' a unique conceptual approach that utilises 31,000 lenticular tiles with a total of 26,000,000 threads, visitors will be immersed into an atmospheric experience that is deeply rooted in the traditional crafts of Uzbekistan. The scenography is designed to enhance the aesthetic and spatial qualities of the space, emphasizing color and engaging the senses in a profound way.
Highlighting the exhibition are 50 craft pieces, including a special feature made in collaboration by designer Nada Debs with Uzbek wood master Sirojiddin Rahmatillaev. This piece is offering a modern interpretation of a traditional and iconic furniture element. This collaboration signifies the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, showcasing the evolution of Uzbek artistry.
"Creating a modern take on the traditional ‘Topchan’, an object that master craftsman Sirojiddin has been creating for over 50 years, I felt that I may be intruding on certain traditions. But unexpectedly, our collaboration with Sirojiddin has been a delightful experience. His receptiveness to new ideas was truly inspiring and provided me the freedom to design without limitations. Additionally, it is very interesting to see the link between the craft of the Arab world and the craft of Uzbekistan. I feel it is like a time capsule where the craft captures history and the exchange of ideas between cultures." — Nada Debs, Designer.
"Crafting Uzbekistan: Tradition in Threads" is not just an exhibition; it is a celebration of the enduring beauty and relevance of Uzbek crafts in the modern world. It is an invitation to explore the depth and richness of Uzbekistan's cultural heritage, presented through a lens that marries the past with the present.
The exhibition runs until March 30th, at M7 Doha.
Pictures by ACDF/Andrey Arakelyan