Beirut/London a series of six films aired on createday.org to celebrate the creativity of Lebanese designers to highlight the need for continuing support to rebuild Beirut, following the August blasts. The movies will air up until 24 October, 2020.
How does disaster impact creativity? As the Lebanese capital struggles to recover from the recent explosions, its designers explore how they can continue to create in the midst of chaos.
In this series of short films, curated by Rue Kothari and Mira Hawa for London Craft Week’s Create Day, the beauty and craft of six distinctive designers are exposed to showcase the wealth of Lebanese creativity that must be preserved.
The objective is to ensure that the international community continue to help and support the recovery of the design industry in Beirut.
“We had originally approached over 30 designers to participate in this project. So many told us that their ateliers had been destroyed, along with their archives, and several were suffering personal injury and loss. The challenges were simply too great. We truly thank them for their consideration and are grateful to these final six for having produced or collated footage for Create Day – in order to keep the spotlight on Beirut as it continues the fundraising effort to rebuild the city.” – Rue Kothari + Mira Hawa Curators London + Beirut
The Designers:
sayargaribeh.com
anastasianysten.com/about
karenchekerdjian.com
bokja.com
cynthiaraffoul.com
anastasiaelrouss.com
Sayar & Garibeh are industrial designers who’s work has been exhibited around the world. “In 2019, Lebanon faced an unstable economic situation that had pushed us to think of a new way of working. We could no longer use certain techniques and materials from other countries, so we decided to take up the challenge of using local resources and traditional craftsmanship to create objects that identify a local cultural reference. We felt the responsibility to sustain a flow, so we can keep the artisanal community alive.”
Cynthia Raffoul is a jewelry designer whose work is inspired by her city. She says, “The continuation of the craftsman is key to the cultural heritage of the creative community. Their wealth is in the talent handed down from one generation to the other. It cannot disappear in the dust of the blast. It’s imperative that they remain creative as their livelihoods depend on it.”
Karen Chekerdjian is a highly regarded industrial designer who also lives in the city. “When I started off years ago, nobody knew what industrial design was. No craftsmen knew how to contemporise a piece. It is this journey with the craftsmen that is the most fulfilling for me.”
Huda and Maria, the design duo behind Bokja, who are passionate about old textiles, tapestries and handicrafts of the Levant. They repurpose vintage pieces discovered in Beirut’s flea markets and antique shops. “A city only thrives with its creative community. They inform a level fo richness and sophistication that enables a community to communicate better its needs, woes and joys. It is this community that got hit the most, and it’s only through continuous International support that we can stand on our feet again.”
Anastasia Nysten is a multidisciplinary designer whose work responds to different ideas on cultural appropriation: “It’s important to listen to the Lebanese design industry today as if you would listen to a friend when they have something important to say. Not just because of what happened on August 4 in Beirut but because tolerance and patience has never been as important as they should be today globally. A word is really all you need to start a conversation and make a change.”
Anastasia Elrouss is an architect and Founder of Warchée ngo; “My dream is to create an ecosystem where Lebanese women can thrive through learning new skills, earning an income and healing through community projects. Through the Warchée ngo, we train groups of women in carpentry, metal and provide a platform for them to earn a household income and become more financially independent.”
About London Craft Week + Create Day www.londoncraftweek.com/about/ + createday.org
Within Create Day’s Middle East program a segment dedicated to “Rebuild Beirut” features Lebanese designers running available online until 24 October, 2020.
Rebuild Beirut Introduction Video + Middle East Create Day createday.org/videos/rue-kothari/ + createday.org/region/middle-east/