Leading designer from the region, Karen Chekerdjian, becomes the first designer to be given full rein to take over L'Institut Du Monde Arabe, Paris.
Leading designer from the region, Karen Chekerdjian, becomes the first designer to be given full rein to take over L'Institut Du Monde Arabe, Paris.
Karen collaborated with an anthropologist to curate a dialogue and sense of context within the museum. Entitled "Respiration", the exhibition (ends 28 August) ‘breathes’ new life into the museum’s collections.
Respiration Transform by Karen Chekerdjian, (Photo credit: Ian Abella)
“My objects do not have a traditional ‘Arab’ feel, in that they are not folkloric or ornamental,” says Karen. “They have emotion, ambiguity and search for meaning beyond their function”.
Respiration Transform Rolling Stone Half Rainbow by Karen Chekerdjian (Photo credit: Ian Abella)
Karen refuses to undertake a structured, rigid approach when designing objects and prefers to leave things open to interpretation. She blames her want for ambiguity on being Lebanese: “Beirut is a place that is both fragile and violent. My objects represent Beirut,” she adds.
Respiration Transcend Hiroshima by Karen Chekerdjian (Photo credit: Ian Abella)
The Institut du Monde Arabe is an organization founded in Paris by 18 Arab countries that aims to research and disseminate information about the cultural and spiritual values of the Arab world. Karen is the first designer to ever host a solo exhibition at the Institut.
Respiration Transcend Object 03-2 by KarenChekerdjian (Photo Credit: Ian Abella)
Karen Chekerdijan’s work featured during Dubai Design Week 2015 as part of Iconic City: Brilliant Beirut
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