IWAN MAKTABI’S UNMASKED 2.0

Iwan Maktabi, UnMasked exhibition installation view
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Iwan Maktabi, UnMasked exhibition installation view
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IWAN MAKTABI’S UNMASKED 2.0
Following “Orientations”, the limited edition collection of handmade carpets designed by David/Nicolas which uses the Persian knot and natural wool and silk, comes the “Disoriented” collection by the Lebanese design duo. This collection takes a different route production wise while still staying true to David/ Nicolas’ retro-futurist design aesthetics. This collection is hand-tufted using the most advanced technology and New Zealand wool and silk highlights. Each step of the production process is carried out with all the care that gives full meaning to the term “handmade”. It is however in the tufting process, that the carpet will finally start taking shape. The production technique results in higher precision, a better control of carrying depth and contrasting textures, as well as a shorter delivery time.

Disoriented, Bedouin 1 Empty Field Hand Tufted, By David & Nicolasm 300 x 400

Source: Iwan Maktabi
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IWAN MAKTABI’S UNMASKED 2.0
“Borderless” is a collection inspired by the designer’s lighting suspension called Urban, which is made out of staples used to demonstrate the grid of the city; its linear and orthogonal shape and the harmony of its geometries. It’s a play of vertical and horizontal lines, an exploration of geometry in space with limitless movements.

Borderless Custom 1 Hand Tufted, By Georges Mohasseb & Kareen Asli, 230 x 300

Source: Iwan Maktabi
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IWAN MAKTABI’S UNMASKED 2.0
The “Kundel” collection designed by Orient 499 is a re-interpretation of an antique “Kundel”, a coat that used to be worn by the Uzbek noble men. It is made of fine silk, hand woven brocade and Ikat textile. Part of the region’s heritage, this noble coat was translated into a silk and wool carpet, giving history an unexpected modern twist.

Kundel 100 knot By Orient 499, 250 x 300

Source: Iwan Maktabi
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IWAN MAKTABI’S UNMASKED 2.0
Six pieces created by Rumi in transition. Six pieces created in intimate, personal spaces. The wool has been sourced from Turkey, Argentina, Germany, and Australia, hand-dyed between Konya and Beirut using both natural and acidic dyes. These pieces, created through Dalle’s own personal journey to discover herself, are reminiscent of wall rugs, a reinterpretation of the felt rug into draping wall pieces. The exhibition includes works such as The Architect and Look at Me, Look at Me, Look at Me, Look at Me, Look at Me, Look at Me, Look at at Me, Look at Me, a braided lock of hair, inlaid a clear mirror that has been an important part of the artist’s transition.

THE STRIPPER - It Felt Like a Dream Collection By Rumi Dalle, Diameter 35cm, Length 90cm, Height 190cm

Source: Iwan Maktabi
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IWAN MAKTABI’S UNMASKED 2.0
Inspired by the hills and cities of Nepal, Strata sources its inspiration from a visit to the capital together with the Maktabi’s. Strata draws from the fine line between architecture and landscape, from the rooftops, temples, and steps which intertwine with lush greenery and moss. It draws from the vibrant colors of the culture and city which fuse into another when covered with mist, and draws from the intimate relation the people share with their city. This relation is found again when discovering the world and culture around carpet-making as it reveals the tight knot between the weavers, makers, designers and the product itself. The carpet acts as a unifying element and creator of place, and belonging where the relationship between the body, space and objects are inexorably linked. This relation is found again when discovering the world and culture around carpet-making as it reveals the tight knot between the weavers, makers, designers and the product itself. The carpet acts as a unifying element and creator of place, and belonging where the relationship between the body, space and objects are inexorably linked.

STRATA Maxi Blue By Roula Salamoun, 198 x 304

Source: Iwan Maktabi
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IWAN MAKTABI’S UNMASKED 2.0
Artist and jewelry designer Nadine Kanso is immersed in Arabic culture in all its forms, mainly calligraphy and pop-culture idioms. One facet is “The Evil Eye” - which is a legend believed to be cast by a malevolent glare usually given to a person when they are unaware. Therefore it was only natural for Nadine Kanso to tap into its beauty and myth. Kanso hand-drew and recreated a bespoke “Eye” which guards against this maleficent spell. It was turned into a signature piece and a recognisable one for her brand “Bil Arabi”. “Contrast” being a favored language in Kanso’s creations, she decided to bring the old and the new together and have them meet on a bespoke carpet by Iwan Maktabi“All Eyes” pays homage to the region’s heritage. It sources inspiration from the collective memory and the identity of Arabs .

All Eyes White Kilim & Tulu, By Nadine Kanso, 265 x 360

Source: Iwan Maktabi
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IWAN MAKTABI’S UNMASKED 2.0
These vessels were meticulously carved out of blocks of solid marbles of playful colour combinations. The vertical lines give the bold material a refined and svelte finish. The Amazonite and Rosso Orobico rodes carefully sculpted array around the Onyx and Apple Green bases respectively. They can be used as striking table centerpieces, as well as vases filled with flowers or foliage. The metal version of the Alia vase is more monolithic. It is simple in its monochrome colours, yet the polished finish of the rodes reflects its surrounding and makes it ever changing.

Amazonite by Thomas Trad, Onyx, Diameter 30cm, Height 12 cm

Source: Iwan Maktabi
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IWAN MAKTABI’S UNMASKED 2.0
JACA by Tamara Barrage. Materials: expoXy, Height: 30 cm, Width: 28 cm, Depth: 23 cm

JACA vases are the result of a collaboration between the worlds of design and nature. For this project, Tamara relinquishes her control as a designer and becomes a facilitator to highlight and contextualize the textured forms of a jackfruit. Creating pieces belonging to both the natural and artificial realm

Source: Iwan Maktabi
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IWAN MAKTABI’S UNMASKED 2.0
“Cities” was imagined following Carlo Massoud’s travels across cities of the world. Each city/piece represents a masterpiece made by humans, showcasing evolution and history, and its impact on the people that live in it or around it. As the day evolves and the light changes, shadows are created and these complex pieces change, allowing us to reinterpret and re-experience them as they transform into urban poetry.

"Cities" by Carlo Massoud

Source: Cities by Carlo Massoud

Following the unprecedented 2020 lockdown and the tragic Beirut blast of August 4th, Iwan Maktabi, third generation Lebanese carpet gallery, brought the worlds of art, design and architecture together to host the first UnMasked event in Dubai in March 2021. After its ground-breaking success, Iwan Maktabi has chosen to stage a second edition of UnMasked on view at the Iwan Maktabi Lab in warehouse 32 at Alserkal Avenue to showcase the works of nine prominent creatives.

Iwan Maktabi, UnMasked exhibition installation view
Iwan Maktabi, UnMasked exhibition installation view

The exhibition, which opened on the first week of March, highlights the latest from IWAN MAKTABI LAB, an ongoing project involving a range of architects, designers and artists including Rumi Dalle, David/Nicolas, Orient 499, Georges Mohasseb, Roula Salamoun, Nadine Kanso, Tamara Barrage, Thomas Trad and Carlo Massoud, who have collaborated with Iwan Maktabi on limited edition carpets and collectible designs.

Iwan Maktabi has a long-standing history working with influential designers, thus, it is only natural that this collaboration has evolved to exhibit outside of Beirut.

Iwan Maktabi, UnMasked exhibition installation view
Iwan Maktabi, UnMasked exhibition installation view

As the go-to address for rare carpets and textiles, contemporary designs and innovation in craft, Iwan Maktabi has added to the depths of people’s appreciation for carpets in Lebanon and the region. This exhibition allows enthusiasts to physically enjoy beautiful works entirely made by artists based in Lebanon, shining a light on Lebanon and the region’s creative talents.

Iwan Maktabi, UnMasked exhibition installation view

Iwan Maktabi, UnMasked exhibition installation view
Iwan Maktabi, UnMasked exhibition installation view
Iwan Maktabi, UnMasked exhibition installation view
Iwan Maktabi, UnMasked exhibition installation view
Iwan Maktabi, UnMasked exhibition installation view

The exhibition is ongoing until the 4th of April.

Info is extracted from Iwan Maktabi press release.

 

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