UAE-based social enterprise 81 Designs and international artist eL Seed will present their latest project ‘The Journey’ depicting in-depth perspective of coexistence, humanity and peace at the 11th edition of Abu Dhabi Art which takes place on 21-23 Nov 2019 at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
The Journey, a symbolic tribute to the Year of Tolerance, is a result of an immersive trip to Ain El-Hilweh refugee camp in Southern Lebanon, where eL Seed created seven murals leaving his distinct style to spread messages of peace and unity. Each mural that is exclusively designed for this project will be translated into an artwork created in the medium of Tatreez on canvas and will be presented at the fair. Tatreez is a traditional Palestinian embroidery that has become a symbol of women’s resistance, identity and heritage.
Alongside the recreations of eL Seed’s masterpieces are a limited edition of figurines, each named after the refugee women and children who participated in The Journey. Each individual figurine is hand-stitched in a modernized form of Tatreez and represents an interpretation of their dreams.
Abu Dhabi Art visitors can immerse into the lives of these women and children at 81 Designs’ booth that will feature 3D elements reflecting life inside the camp. Through this short-lived experience, the social enterprise aims to provide more insight and a deeper understanding on the living situation of camp residents.
Born and raised in Paris with Tunisian roots, eL Seed mixes Arabic calligraphy and graffiti in murals and typography as a tool to bring people, cultures and generations together. Believing that artists who work in public spaces have a social responsibility, he said, “I use my art to switch perception and create dialogue. After the first project I had with 81 Designs, I felt that I wanted to do more. There is so much to do to and so much to hope for to achieve a greater impact. With respect, we can coexist and unite for the betterment of all. Working with the ladies and getting to know them on a personal level has brought more fire within me to support meaningful causes, and I consider myself lucky because I get to do that through my art.”
As part of 81 Designs’ mission, the social enterprise employs skilled refugee artisan women and provides them with a sustainable income that allows their families to have better living conditions. The enterprise has impacted the lives of over 35 refugee women through capacity building such as providing the artisans with technical assistance that enables them to evolve and continuously develop their old techniques.
For Nadine Malouf who co-founded 81 Designs with her mother Nesrine El Tibi Maalouf, consistency is key for sustainable success. She said, “We have always appreciated the delicacy of Tatreez. The art of Tatreez is part of our Arab heritage and just by looking at the beautiful handmade crafts, it is something that we must be proud of. Hence, we created 81 Designs as a vehicle that brings art and humanity together by showcasing the talents of refugee artisans that we employ and at the same time serves as a platform to restore hope in building their future, and preserves and modernizes the ancient embroidery technique.”
Each art work that is a limited edition of eL Seed’s murals will be available for USD 10,000. Each hand stitched figurine is available in 3 sizes. Prices are AED 578 (35cm), AED 368 (23cm) and AED 263 (19cm).
