Arab Design Now presents a survey of contemporary design from the Levant, the Gulf, and North Africa, featuring works across disciplines, from architectural installations and material research to contemporary crafts, furniture, graphic, and object design.
This publication not only serves as a reference of the exhibition Re-rooting, which took place at Darat al Funun in 2022, but also features essays written by various contributors on topics related to water politics, agro-ecology, and extractive building practices in Jordan and Palestine. It serves as a historical reference of initiatives and projects undertaken by civil society, artists, chefs, architects, and designers, who put self determination and artistic expression at the core of their practice, and how they overcame obstacles in a post-pandemic world.
The abstract art of Ali Kaaf is the result of his interests and dealings with script, architecture, and history. Kaaf’s abstractions are inspired by important cities in his life—Damascus, Beirut, and Berlin—and concepts such as Sufi mysticism and Islamic philosophy. The solo exhibition 'I Know the Emptiness of this House' at Darat al Funun features new commissions and a range of selected works covering various artistic disciplines, from drawings of paper and ink to photography, sound, video, and installations. At the center of this exhibition, Kaaf presents a new commission titled I Know the Emptiness of this House (2023), a spatial installation reflecting on Qusair Amra, the historical building built during the Umayyad era (between 723 and 743 AD) by Walid Ibn Yazid in the eastern deserts of Jordan. This conversation with Ali discusses this new commission, solo exhibition, and the evolution of his artistic practice.
'Architecture of the Territory: Constructing National Narratives in the Arab World' examines the role that national narratives have in defining the Arab world through the use of architecture and urban planning. The publication uncovers some of the mechanisms and narratives that have shaped the territory and its society. The selected essays, written by researchers and professionals, are the beginning of a dialog, touching on themes such as agricultural strategies, imported housing typologies, the issues inherited from colonial borders, and the effect of politics on infrastructure projects and cultural heritage. While critical contributions draw on local histories and context, they also run in parallel and contribute to the discourse on current global issues.
The concept and design direction for the Nabila Hilmi Retrospective Exhibition catalogue entailed a historical survey and mapping of her trajectory as an artist. The exhibition, which took place at the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, and commissioned by Suha Shoman, covered the breadth of Nabila's work and experiments. A contribution in the form of an exhibition review serves as the introduction to this book, alongside essays by HRH Princess Wijdan Ali and Dr. Khaled Khreiss.
Explore the pages of this catalogue for insights into Amman Design Week 2019, which took place under the theme of "Possibilities", and learn more about the experience, the exhibitors, and a detailed program of events, taking place from Ras El Ain to Jabal Amman and Jabal Al Weibdeh.
In a world shaped by migrations, hyper-connectivity, and changing perspectives, design becomes a vital force for seeking freedom through 'motion.' The Amman Design Week 2017 catalogue offers a glimpse into the program, including the Hangar Exhibition, Crafts District, Student Exhibition, Mobile Maker Space, and Urban Park Competition. Know more about workshops, talks, and independent events that reflect the dynamic spirit of a community mobilizing for change.
Uncover the city's untold stories, talents, and ambitions in Amman Design Week's inaugural exhibition. With the support of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, this annual event has become a hallmark for educational and cultural programming in Jordan. With a program that includes the Hangar exhibition, The MakerSpace, The Crafts District, and a diverse schedule of workshops, talks, and cultural events, Amman Design Week is not just an event; it's a catalyst for change, propelling Jordan onto the global stage as a recognized hub for design, creativity, and the modern expression of Arab culture
