Mariam Nihal Saudi Gazette Design Days Dubai maintains its position as the leading fair in the Middle East and South Asia that is home to limited edition furniture and design pieces for collectors. The five-day fair gathered designs from leading and upcoming international designers and galleries. Under the aegis of the Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum the third edition of Design Days was held between 17-21 March. Thirty-three galleries from across 20 countries showcased the?r work at Des?gn Days ?n downtown at The Venue next to Burj Khalifa. The contemporary design fair offered installation, tours, talks, screenings, performances and workshops. Cyril and Abdullah Al Jenaibi, media coordinator, Design Days Dubai spoke to Saudi Gazette about power of the Middle East in cultivating a dynamic art scene. Cyril, who was recently in Saudi Arabia for the first edition of Saudi Design Week, said: “I was so amazed. I can feel the huge potential of the country, the same way contemporary art exploded and now the only country that takes contemporary art most seriously in the Gulf East is Saudi Arabia. I know it just needs one or two small clicks and design could be the next big boom. I felt that so strongly.” He said he met talented designers in Saudi Arabia and was amazed at the craftsmanship. During his visit to a home in Jeddah, he was amazed to find art pieces and preserved design motifs. He said since Arab homes respect privacy and are open to close friends, it is hard to imagine the interiors of their homes, but with the younger generation there is a shift, who are investing heavily in this industry and buying flats in the city, they want to now show their house. “Like in Kuwait, people are so hospitable. They over do it and are very generous.” He said the value of design appreciates over time and the young generation should opt for what they think suits them best. “It can also become a legacy. Something you leave behind.” Abdullah told Saudi Gazette that the UAE has positioned Dubai as the new design hub and other GCC members are really into it. He said the younger generation is more involved with art and design. “Its the eagerness to explore the fifth dimension. They want to also explore their own skills. I think it is easy for people to understand design. Design has the functionality and practicality about itself.” He said the idea behind the fair is to bring together international galleries and also a diverse set of prices for young collectors. “We don't want anybody to think we can only buy piece for $30,000. There are pieces here for $1,000.” Apart from ministers and royal family buyers, he said Saudis, Lebanese, Jordanians are also a huge market. “I am proud to say many locals and three Saudi girls are working with us. That means a lot. Once you have people willing to work, you have people willing to buy. This mediates the conversation and initiates dialogue.” Talking about Instagram, he said most people are curious to see art that is displayed on social media. He said the most important tool is knowledge and the fair helps designers engage more with the public. When asked about the shift of mindset that used to view art as a luxury for the elite, Cyril said: “I'll go further than that. I'll say IKEA gives people access to funky and contemporary design structures they can take home. At art fairs, the more we speak about it, the less intimidated people would feel about it.” Abdullah said most galleries did not open their doors to make money. “There are a lot more ways to make money.” Cyril said he supports Sheikh Mohammad's initiative to change the metro stations to a more artsy structure. He said the public programs help people learn more about design. In Saudi Arabia, following trends has become a rage. Abdullah said: “It is like a popularity contest. I despise it. You can't follow trends. It's not fashion. Design is an extension of your personality.” Design Days Dubai is owned by Art Dubai Fair LLC, a joint venture company between the DIFC and Middle East Fairs Ltd. Their other projects also include Art Dubai, Art Week, Downtown Design and The Global Art Forum. A few of the workshops included The Saucer bowl workshop, given by Rolf Bruggink., is about transforming traditional pieces of handicraft into contemporary pieces, ‘Casting Planters' by Chen Chen & Kai Williams, ‘Fold' by Francisco Torres among many others invited speakers and the general public to engage and cultivate knowledge about design. One of the interactive installations designed by Guillaume Crédoz placed at the entrance sketched portraits by a large robotic arm. Design Days was filled with art lovers, curious observers, potential and aspiring customers along with those who came to seek knowledge and inspiration.
