Qatar, Mexico share camaraderie over design
The harpsichord in the corner stops most visitors. A keyboard instrument that produces sound by plucking its strings, it is covered in carved lacquer from Olinalá, a town in the mountains of Guerrero....
Qatar and Mexico have forged a strong bond through design, as highlighted at Hiperlocalidad, a co-operative gallery and design concept store in Mexico City. This collaboration was part of Design Week México and Qatar’s Years of Culture initiative. Four Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian designers were paired with Mexican artisans, resulting in a showcase at the Museo Nacional de Antropología under the Visión y Tradición exhibition.
The exchange aimed to foster a deeper appreciation for Mexican design, often overlooked in favor of international trends. The discussion at Hiperlocalidad revealed that regional materials and techniques are deeply embedded in Mexican daily life, yet familiarity can make them easily dismissed. The MENASA designers emphasized the importance of recognizing the skill behind these techniques, rather than labeling them as mere art.
A key takeaway was the importance of understanding the context in which objects are created. Rather than simply adopting visual elements, the focus should be on the conditions and social hierarchies surrounding the makers. This perspective led designers like Yasamin Shaikhi to appreciate imperfections in materials, treating them as integral parts of the piece's story. For Yasamin, this shift in mindset opened up new creative possibilities.
The designers also reflected on their own identities and how they navigate international collaborations. Sana Frini, a Tunisian architect and designer, emphasized the need to stay true to one's cultural roots while engaging with other cultures. Kenan Alkuwatly, a Syrian product designer based in Berlin, described the process as a dialogue between the designer's ideas, the craftsperson's knowledge, and the resulting object.
Ultimately, the collaboration between Qatar and Mexico showcased the power of design as a tool for cultural exchange and understanding. By bringing people together and encouraging dialogue, these initiatives can transform raw materials into meaningful expressions of shared human experience.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
