Emerging designers showcase bespoke creations at Zwara exhibition

M7 unveiled an exhibition Wednesday, showcasing the unique work of four emerging designers who took part in the fourth edition of the Zwara programme.

The exhibition, on display at M7’s Learning Space until December 18, highlights the culmination of a 10-month mentorship journey that saw these designers push the boundaries of contemporary furniture design.

The opening was attended by dignitaries, including Qatar Museums CEO Mohammed Saad al-Rumaihi, along with prominent figures from the creative industry, students, and aspiring designers.

In a press statement, M7 director Maha al-Sulaiti underlined the programme’s commitment to nurturing local talent, saying: “Zwara highlights not only their process but also captures the collaborative spirit, creativity, and innovation that resulted from this programme. It’s a testament to the incredible craftsmanship that characterises our local design community.”

Curated by Jumanah Abbas, the exhibition features a collection of four distinct pieces, each embodying the individual styles and inspirations of the participating designers.

Stephen Amoyo, a multidisciplinary designer, presents “The Waiting Chair”, a striking contemporary piece that blends the design philosophy of Virgil Abloh with the iconic works of Jean Prouvé.

Amoyo describes the chair as a fusion of Prouvé's silhouette and Abloh's creative ethos, encouraging further contributions from future designers and the wider community.

Abdul Basit, an interdisciplinary designer, unveils “WeaveO,” a console that seamlessly blends traditional Sadu weaving techniques with the Dutch Art Movement. This piece reinterprets the history of Bedouin society, transforming geometric patterns and motifs into a modern form. Basit underscores the adaptability of the design, weaving historical influences into a contemporary narrative.

Nusj by Hammam al-Abdulla, an interior designer, draws inspiration from Marcel Breuer's iconic Wassily Chair for his piece “Nusj”.

The chair, named after the Arabic word for “weave”, redefines the classic design with asymmetrical lines that wrap around a reimagined structure, reflecting both personal and communal use.

Saraab by Galyiah al-Mohannadi, an interior and furniture designer, presents an experimental bookcase that invites interaction with its rotating structure.

Inspired by Charlotte Perriand’s “Bibliothèque,” al-Mohannadi reinterprets the design with locally sourced polychromatic glass, creating distinct modular units for flexible configurations.

The Zwara Programme, tailored and facilitated by M7, provides a platform for emerging designers to hone their skills under the guidance of industry leaders. This year’s programme saw participants engage in a week-long trip to the prestigious Vitra Design Museum in Germany, offering invaluable insights and inspiration.

Apart from the individual pieces, M7 noted that the exhibition offers a comprehensive exploration of the designers’ creative processes. Visitors have the opportunity to explore research notes, sketches, material samples, and final products, gaining a deeper understanding of the journey from concept to creation.

A special highlight of the exhibition is the student-led “Miniatures” display where aspiring interior designers from Virginia Commonwealth University Arts in Qatar crafted visionary furniture designs, pushing the boundaries of materials, trends, and manufacturing.