AMMAN — Egypt’s first gallery dedicated to contemporary, collectible design opens in Cairo, the space will launch this autumn with a solo show of works by acclaimed Lebanese product designer
Georges Mohasseb.اضافة اعلان
Le Lab, a contemporary design gallery founded by Egyptian art and design collector Rasheed Kamel, will open its doors to the public at Walk of Cairo, in the Sixth October development.
The first of its kind in Egypt, Le Lab will showcase works by emerging and established designers from across the Middle East, with a vision to foster a new appreciation for one-of-a-kind, limited-edition design pieces in Egypt.
“My mission for Le Lab is to encourage the development of the Egyptian design scene and transform Cairo into a hub for art and design, regionally and internationally,” Kamel said.
“We will promote Middle Eastern designers through our gallery in Cairo through a year-round exhibitions program of solo and group shows, workshops, talks, educational initiatives as well as through our participation in special initiatives, exhibitions and art fairs, both regionally and internationally.”
Kamel’s desire was to be a collector: his way of preserving and acknowledging Egypt and the region’s rich artistic past and its historic role in shaping the world of art, design and craftsmanship.
In Kamel’s view, “it is this prosperous history that needs to be acknowledged, respected and documented, creating a base from which future creativity can thrive”, one “providing regional and Egyptian artists, designers and creative individuals with a sure footing and confidence in their collective design history.”
In February this year, Le Lab participated in Intersect 21, a new online edition of the US-based art fair showcasing galleries from the Middle East, North Africa and California. The gallery will now open its physical space in Cairo with a solo exhibition of works by renowned Lebanese designer Mohasseb, co-founder of Beirut-based design studio, Studio Manda.
The exhibition, titled “Intermission,” will highlight various aspects of Mohasseb’s creative process, with particular focus on the diversity of natural materials that he incorporates in his designs. The show will look specifically at how each of Mohasseb’s pieces are unique creations that offer a united diversity of materials as well as a multifaceted expression through their form and function.
“Presenting these works at Le Lab for its opening exhibition is a great opportunity for me,” said Mohasseb.
“Not only does it allow me to exhibit my design objects in a new market, but I hope that these pieces will contribute to further enhancing the conversation surrounding contemporary design in Egypt and the wider Middle East region.”
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