Seven editions of MBR will make their way to the region’s most exclusive art collections, to support underprivileged students at the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI)
Dubai-based architecture and interior design studio Kart Group unveiled MBR – an incredible installation paying homage to the visionary leadership of Dubai.
Imagined by Mustafa Khamash, CEO and founder of Kart Group, and realised in pure wool and silk by third generation carpet gallery Iwan Maktabi, MBR is a multi-layered portrait of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The installation measures 245cmx200cm and occupies a prominent spot in Dubai Design District (d3).
Unveiled during Downtown Design, the region’s foremost fair for original design, taking place during Dubai Design Week (November 11 to 16, 2019), the installation is more than a breathtaking work of art. It also supports the cause of design education in the city.
Seven exclusive editions of MBR have been handcrafted by Iwan Maktabi and will make their way to some of the region’s most exclusive art collections. Contributions raised will fund a design scholarship at the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI).
“The installation is inspired by the ambition and vision of Dubai’s leadership and we are glad to support design education at DIDI through the medium of art,” said Mustafa Khamash.
Kart Group was invited by Dubai Design District (d3) to create the installation as part of the second edition of its ‘Design for Good’ initiative that aims to connect the design community through creative collaborations promoting social change in the UAE.
“Design can be a potent cultural force to fix many issues facing the world today,” said Mustafa Khamash. “It is my belief that as designers, we have a responsibility to use creative thinking to resolve issues hindering development. One of these issues is the lack of support for design education. My installation is a humble endeavour that aims to have a positive impact on the community at large, while supporting the education of underprivileged students of design.”
Kart Group has been a long-time champion of the cause of design education. Earlier this year, the company awarded two student scholarships worth Dh390,000 ($106,195) in association with Dubai Holding, fully funding their studies at the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI).
Mustafa Khamash was himself a beneficiary of a life-transforming scholarship to pursue his own design education in Venice, Italy, and sees this as a way “to pay it forward”.
Speaking on the Design for Good initiative, Khamash added: “It aims to motivate the design community veterans to invest time and money in developing young talent to consider design as a viable and rewarding career.”
The ‘Design for Good’ project by d3 is based on three key pillars. The first pillar – design for placemaking, prioritises design solutions that encourage creativity and collaboration in public environments. The second – design for sustainability, establishes that the design solutions presented should maximise long-term economic, social and environmental value. The third pillar – design for empowerment reiterates that design solutions should empower people and challenges perceptions.
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For interview requests, features and more information on Mustafa Khamash and Kart Group’s current and future projects, please email press@kartgroup.net
ABOUT KART GROUP
Founded in 2004 by Mustafa Khamash, Kart Group is a Dubai-based luxury interior design atelier and a fine modern furniture importer for homes and offices. Prior to this, Mustafa has worked with renowned architects such as Zaha Hadid for the Architectural Biennale of Venice and Scandinavian Pavilion projects, as well as Philippe Starck for his private residence, consolidating his solid international experience in the luxury interior design industry.
Mustafa Khamash is a well-known personality in the Middle East’s design industry and personal advisor to many esteemed UAE government entities and leaders. He has designed award-winning interiors of ministerial offices, as well as residences and palaces.
Passionate about art and sculpture, Mustafa Khamash has been commissioned by prestigious clients for special art features, most notable of which is Vision | Mission, a stunning mise en abyme installation inspired by Dubai’s visionary leaders: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his son HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, which was unveiled last year and occupies prime position in Dubai Design District.
Each project undertaken by the Kart Group is distinguished by bespoke details and an authentic design language.
Follow Kart Group on Instagram @kart_group and Mustafa Khamash on @mustafa_khamash_
For more information, please visit www.kartgroup.net
ABOUT IWAN MAKTABI
Iwan Maktabi is as a leading carpet designing and manufacturing company engaged in the business since 1926, with presence in Lebanon and Dubai (The Dubai Mall).
Iwan Maktabi offers a variety of products that cover a wide spectrum of qualities and budgets. Hj. Hussein Maktabi, patriarch of the Maktabi family in Lebanon, immigrated from Isphahan to Beirut in 1926. Like his father before him, his passion was collecting fine oriental carpets. Since then, Hj. Hussein and his sons have undoubtedly become premier purveyors of antique and decorative carpets in the Middle East. They spread their services from Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to the Gulf area and from Zurich in Switzerland to the rest of Europe.
With the support of his father Abbas Maktabi, Mohamed Maktabi and his sisters, Mona and Chirine, opened the first Iwan Maktabi gallery in 1995. Based on three generations of expertise, and a rich family private collection of collectible carpets, Iwan Maktabi added to the depth of people’s appreciation for carpets in Lebanon and the region and proved to be the address for rare carpets and textile art in the Middle East.
To differentiate themselves from the market, Iwan Maktabi combined traditional art with modern contemporary art by introducing modern and contemporary high-quality handmade carpets, an exclusively representing different carpet firms and designers such as Jan Kath, Hechizoo and cc-tapis.
To stay ahead of the industry, Iwan Maktabi also edits limited edition carpets with the intervention of Middle Eastern designers, decorators, architects…
Some of these collaborations include: Nadine Kanso, Karen Chekerdjian, George Mohasseb, David/Nicolas and more!
Iwan Maktabi also offers the ability to custom-design any carpet through their design studio.
Follow Iwan Maktabi on Instagram and Facebook @iwanmaktabiofficial
© Press Release 2019
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