WEAVING LINES
Client: Irthi Council for Contemporary Crafts
Work: Furniture Design
Date: 2023 - ongoing
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All Rights Reserved ︎
Weaving the Lines is a furniture project commissioned by the Irthi Council for Contemporary Arts, an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Bedouin art and culture in the United Arab Emirates. The proposal consists of a series of wooden furniture pieces, whose structures are woven and manufactured by the skilled hands of Bedouin craftswomen. Each piece is the result of a collaborative process that merges traditional Emirati craftsmanship with contemporary approaches to furniture design.
DESCRIPTION︎︎︎
The project is a rich exploration of artisanal manufacturing, highlighting the skill, knowledge, and heritage of manual techniques passed down through generations. What makes Weaving the Lines particularly fascinating is the dialogue it establishes between Mexican and Emirati craftsmanship, fostering a cultural collaboration that celebrates the traditions of both countries.
On one hand, wood, the central material of the project, is treated to emphasize the simplicity and functionality of its forms. On the other, the textile work performed by the Bedouin artisans adds a layer of visual and tactile complexity, reflecting the intricate tradition of desert weaving. The threads used to embellish the furniture evoke patterns and cultural symbols that are not only aesthetically appealing but also convey deep stories and meanings tied to the Bedouin environment and identity.
The project underscores the importance of artisanal work as a form of resistance against industrialization and the mass production of goods. By focusing on manual techniques and cultural collaboration, Weaving the Lines creates space for reflection on the richness of local traditions in an increasingly globalized world.
This project serves as a clear example of how contemporary design can act as a means to preserve and revitalize ancestral practices, adapting them to new contexts. The final pieces are not just utilitarian objects but living testaments to stories woven between cultures.
Weaving the Lines is also a celebration of community work and cultural preservation, involving artisans who contribute not only their techniques but also their worldview and connection to their roots. The project revalues the role of women as bearers of knowledge while empowering them through the creation of new economic and creative opportunities.
Ultimately, Weaving the Lines is not merely a furniture project; it is a bridge between two cultures, a tribute to artisanal mastery, and an exploration of the possibilities that emerge when different traditions converge in a single creative space.
Weaving Lines
Weaving Prototype
Cotton Robe
︎ Irthi - all rights reserved -
Weaving Lines
Graphite on Paper
24x32cm
Hand Drawn
Weaving Lines
Weaving Prototype
Cotton Robe
︎ Irthi - all rights reserved -