Page 66 - Designing Ways 250

ALL ABOUT
ART

81 Designs and
Nada Debs unveil

‘On Belonging’ at
Abu Dhabi Art

Weaving together

homelands, history, heart
and soul into a collection

that unifies people across
geographical boundaries

s A bu Dhabi Art opens to the public or disruptions. Reimagined by Nada together design, craft, art and culture
today, UAE social enterprise 81 Debs and her brand ethos that follow the by revolutionising the use of traditional
ADesigns that links Palestinian ‘handmade and heartmade’ tag line, this embroidery Tatreez, Nesrine El-Tibi
refugee women artisans and Lebanese collection features seven crafted pebble Maalouf, Co-founder of 81 Designs, said:
designer Nada Debs, unveils a new chairs and straw lamps, handstitched and “Since 81 Designs workshop is located
collaborative collection at Manarat Al signed by the refugee artisans employed inside the Ain El Hilweh refugee camp
Saadiyat. by 81 Designs, and created by pushing in Lebanon, the team of artisan women
The collection titled ‘On Belonging’ the boundaries of craft, geography, art faced major challenges stemming from
is a culmination of a six-month and community for a deeper sense of the country’s grave economic crisis, with
project inspired by Palestinian artist connection and compassion tied to power cuts, water and petrol shortages,
Nabil Anani’s ‘In Pursuit of Utopia’, homeland and history. As an ode to the not to mention the camp security
which is a picturesque portrayal of his Golden Jubilee of the UAE, the seven restrictions, and ongoing COVID health
imagined homeland envisioned as one pieces represent the seven emirates, while pandemic. We are very proud of what
immaculate landscape, without division the craft revives a sense of belonging these ladies have achieved.”
connected to the culture of Lebanon, Despite the challenges faced by the
and the art pays homage to the land of team of artisans within the 81 Designs
Nesrine El-Tibi Maalouf, Palestine. workshop located in the Ain al-
Co-founder of 81 Design Bringing together artists and artisans, Hilweh refugee camp in Lebanon, this
creators and designers, to weave collaboration was possible due to the

Nada Debs

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