Un[Mask]Ed By Iwan Maktabi X Collection
On the occasion of the Dubai Art Week, Iwan Maktabi (Beirut) opens un[mask]ed, a pop up exhibition at Alserkal Avenue.
Third generation Lebanese carpet gallery Iwan Maktabi, revered for its innovative carpets bridging the worlds of art, design and architecture, will stage an exhibition showcasing the work of seven prominent Lebanese creatives.
Titled un[mask]ed, the exhibition is the first of its kind in Dubai to marry the worlds of art, design and furniture through works entirely made by artists based in Lebanon.
On view at Warehouse 82 in Alserkal Avenue, the show will highlight the latest IWAN MAKTABI X collection, an ongoing project involving a range of architects, designers and artists who have collaborated with Iwan Maktabi on limited edition carpets. These include david/nicolas, Georges Mohasseb and Kareen Asli, Rola Salamoun, Nadine Kanso, Hala Matta, Omar Chakil and Gregory Gatserelia.
un[mask]ed is also staged in collaboration with Saleh Barakat Gallery (presenting artworks by Hala Shoukair, Fadia Haddad, Samir Sayegh, Tagreed Darghouth and Bassam Kawagiand) and House of Today.
Orientations by david/nicolas
“Why don’t they make carpets like this anymore?” During one of their visits to Iwan Maktabi’s Flagship store, david/nicolas were awestruck at the sight of antique Zieglar and Agra carpets.
What captivated them most is the textures of these carpets, the simplicity and elegance of their designs, and their rarity. After sketches, trials and errors, the Orientations collections was born.
A vast field of hand-carded wool with three dimensional figures found in Oriental carpets and in common with the duo’s design language, reminiscent of constellations in the night sky. With a simple gaze, they’ll orient you North, South, East or West. The carpets are a mélange of ancient, contemporary and futuristic elements woven into timeless aesthetics!
‘Bordeless’ by Georges Mohasseb and Kareen Asli
Studio Manda by Georges Mohasseb and Kareen Asli is presenting a carpet titled Borderless.
The piece was inspired by the designer’s lighting suspension called Urban, which is made out of staples used to demonstrate the grid of the city, its linear and orthogonal shape and the harmony of its geometries.
It’s a play of vertical and horizontal lines, an exploration of geometry in space with limitless movements.
‘Odyssey’ by Gregory Gatserelia
Shape-shifting forms taking a life of their own, on the surface of a carpet.
Originating from Gregory Gatserelia’s innermost thoughts, and taking inspiration from Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’, these carpets are abstract representations of our mystifying universe. Odyssey is made up of four designs with rich and complex textures. Bold shapeless structures inhabit the field of each piece, made of Tibetan wool and silk.
A cinematic dialogue of textures and colors, translated by the most skilled Tibetan artisans!
‘Let Me Take Another Look’ by Karim Chaya
Industrial designer Karim Chaya’s humorous rug was inspired by the 1998 film The Big Lebowski.
The design features a rather excellent portrait of The Dude, the main protagonist, sprawled on a traditional rug.
During the story someone rather rudely pees on his rug, which, as the characters keep saying, ‘really tied the room together’.
Aren’t I always writing that? A truly inspired rug reference!
‘All Eyes’ by Nadine Kanso
Artist and jewelry designer Nadine Kanso is immersed in Arabic culture in all its forms, mainly calligraphy and pop-culture idioms.
One facet is “The Evil Eye” - which is a curse or legend believed to be cast by a malevolent glare usually given to a person when they are unaware. Therefore it was only natural for Nadine Kanso to tap into its beauty and myth. Kanso hand-drew and recreated a bespoke “Eye” which guards against this maleficent spell. It was turned into a signature piece and a recognisable one for her brand BilArabi.
“Contrast” being a favored language in Kanso’s creations, she decided to bring the old and the new together and have them meet on a bespoke carpet by Iwan Maktabi.
“All Eyes” pays homage to the region’s heritage and our culture. It sources inspiration from the collective memory and the cultural identity of Arabs.
The piece is a powerful “antique” reproduction that meets modern tastes while adding a striking touch.
‘Kundel’ by Orient 499
The carpet by Orient 499 is a re-interpretation of an antique “Kundel”, a coat that used to be worn by the Uzbek noble men, made of fine silk, hand woven brocade and Ikat textile.
Part of the region’s heritage, this noble coat was translated into a silk and wool carpet, giving history an unexpected modern twist.
‘Strata’ by Roula Salamoun
Architect Roula Salamoun got inspired to design STRATA, that tells the story of the multilayers of urban living, during her visit to Kathmandu accompanied by the Iwan Maktabi family on a discovery trip.
STRATA is inspired by the architecture, landscape, rooftops, temples, and steps which intertwine with lush greenery.
The vibrant colors of the culture and city along with the intimate relationship the people share with their city moved the artist to replicate these elements in her carpet designs.
STRATA serves as an allegory of the carpet-making industry, wherein the weavers, designers, and product are all intertwined. The carpet acts as a bridge, linking the body, space, and objects together.
The exhibition will also showcases design creations by Hala Matta (picture 1 and 2 from the left) and Omar Chakil (picture 3 and 4 on the right).
On the opening night, Monday 22 March, Roula Salamoun will be present in Dubai (Warehouse #82, Alserkal Avenue). The exhibition runs until April 4th.
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