What to expect from Design Days Dubai 2016

With prices starting at US$5,000 and going up to US$500,000, the range at DDD is expansive.

The latest edition of Design Days Dubai opens it doors this Sunday evening with a VIP preview. The Middle East and South Asia's only collectable design fair, it's held under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and is the world's most diverse design fair.
Last year welcomed more than 13,500 visitors over five days. With this being the fifth year, you can expect it to be bigger and better, with 182 designers from 20 countries participating. These pieces of design are not just unique - they are collectors items, curated under the watchful eye of the fair director, Cyril Zammit. With prices starting at US$5,000 and going up to US$500,000, the range at DDD is expansive. Moreover, with international gallerists such as The Carpenter's Gallery, Paris' Galerie Gendras Regnier and Sao Paulo's Coletivo Amor De Madre participating, DDD is attracting global heavyweights in the industry.
There is also large thrust on homegrown talents. Dubai based multi-disciplined designer Aljoud Lootah launched her first limited edition design collection at Design Days Dubai. Her origami inspired Oru chair and Oru lamp received a lot of attention, both locally and internationally, and two pieces from the collection were acquired for the permanent collection of National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne - making her the first Emirati to have works in the permanent collection of an international institution. Design Days Dubai has established itself as a fair that connoisseurs of design know they must attend. With a public programme that includes talks and workshops sponsored by Design Dubai District, it also is a great forum for aspiring designers and collectors.
We asked five stakeholders from the industry to demystify the world of collectible design:
THE CURATOR:
Cyrill Zammit, Fair Director
What does the word "collectible" mean to you?
Collecting, to me, is a process. I need to admire the piece, understand the thought process behind it, look into its sustainability and figure out finally if my budget will be able to afford it. Following trends or names can either be a big flop or a long wait for the return of your market. The design market can be uncertain at times, so I would rather buy something I can live with.
Which collectible design piece from DDD 2016 do you have your eye on?
There are some pretty amazing pieces this year. That being said, I'm definitely drawn towards the Dawn Lightseries by Sabine Marcelis presented by Victor Hunt Designart Dealer. The mix of resin and neon light is genius, and the production results are simple yet poetic.
THE GALLERIST
Rola Wazni,
Director at Carpenters Workshop Gallery
What does the word 'collectible' mean to you?
For us, it's definitely more than material; it's about the ideas behind the design, the artistic vision, the passion and pain that goes into the creation. Before this there's also the thunderbolt, that instant emotional connection you feel when you stand in front of the work. You cannot collect a work simply because someone tells you is a good investment, or a 'must have'. It's something that only you'll know is right. That's what makes collecting so interesting, because a collection is such a reflection of the collector's personality.
THE ARCHITECT:
Viktor Udzenija,
Founder at Viktor Udzenija Architecture and Design
What does the world 'collectible' mean to you?
I follow the world of design regularly and try to keep informed on trajectories of certain designers, new technologies and innovations as well as newcomers with great ideas. That said, first and foremost I rely on my gut feel and emotion a piece of design manages to evoke in me. I have to fall in love with it. I then look at quality of craftsmanship, use of material, design approach, narrative as well as the provenance/pedigree of the piece and designer.
The piece do you have your eye on this year?
This year I would go for a piece found at Victor Hunt Designart Dealer. It is a light installation from Commonplace Studio depicting the endless horizon of the sky and ocean. It is a moving image projected on mouth blown glass spheres - a beautiful and calming image that takes me back home. It is a perfect example of how technology can also be romantic and soft. Since I grew up in Croatia, and live in Dubai, I've always had a deep connection with the sea.
THE INTERIOR DESIGNER
Pallavi Dean,
Design Director at Pallavi Dean Interiors
What does the word collectible mean to you?
The logical answer is to always buy a name - Warhol, Ferrari, Patek - because they hold their value. But for me, the emotional side always wins, so I'd just buy something I love and connect with, that guarantees I'll enjoy it forever!
The one piece you have your eye on?
Just one? That's unfair ... I loved the intricate, geometric, sculptural pieces by Naqsh Collective last year - so excited they are coming back again! On my 'must-have' list are also the 'Misnad and Uwairyan' rugs by Aljood Lootah, homegrown talent - I love her contemporary take on a traditional weaving techniques.
THE TALENT HUNTER
Robert Thiemann,
Eyes on Talent (Paris-based talent agency)
What does the word 'Collectible' mean to you?
For me, something is worth collecting if it has more than one story to tell. An object that reveals its message at one glance will become boring after a while, whereas works that trick the eye or make you look twice will have staying power.
The piece do you have your eye on?
It's probably safer to buy work from an established name, but I prefer to choose from a relatively young and unknown talent. At Design Days Dubai, I like the Dawn Lights series by Rotterdam-based designer Sabine Marcelis. Each of her lights is made of a neon tube and cast resin, creating beautiful, contemporary sculptures. They play with opacity and translucency, and remind me of photographs. A fresh take on the often tired-looking phenomenon of decorative lighting.
THE COLLECTOR
Dana Farouki,
Chairperson, The Abraaj Group Art Prize
What does the word 'collectible' mean to you?
I buy what I love when it comes to art and design. I love pieces of every shape, size and colour, but they must be innovative, refreshing and spirited. There are so many inspired pieces that will be on view this year. I wish I could take them all home!
What is the piece you have your eye on?
I think I would choose an interactive table by Dubai based designer, Fadi Sarieddine. I love the idea that the table can change with different modular elements and configurations. I know for sure that this table could evolve with my ever-changing aesthetic and mood - it's such a good buy!
sujata@khaleejtimes.com 

10

WEEKEND EDITION

THE CURATOR:
Cyrill Zammit,
Fair Director
What does the word "collectible" mean to you?
Collecting, to me, is a process. I need to admire the piece, understand the thought process behind it, look into its sustainability and figure out if I will be able to afford it. Following trends or names can either be a big flop or a long wait for the return of your market. The design market can be uncertain at times, so I would rather buy something I can live with.
 
The piece you have your eye on this year?
There are some pretty amazing pieces this year. That being said, I'm definitely drawn towards the Dawn Lightseries by Sabine Marcelis presented by Victor Hunt Designart Dealer. The mix of resin and neon light is genius, and the production results are simple yet poetic.

• Dubai