For Dubai Design Week (October 24 – 29), Swarovski have announced a specially commissioned outdoor installation by Emirati designer Zeinab Al Hashemi. The Dubai-based designer is a conceptual artist specialising in site-specific installations, spatial art and modern public sculpture. Inspired by the traditions of her Emirati culture and local artisans, she creates intriguing, interactive works that experiment with new materials and techniques. Much like Swarovski, Al Hashemi’s work unites craftsmanship with innovation, making her a natural choice for a collaboration.
Nestled amongst the towering steel and glass buildings of d3, Al Hashemi has set 33 hexagonal mirrored-steel structures with 1,145 Swarovski crystals and mirrored prisms. Mounted horizontally, and standing 1.5m high and 3m wide, the structures reveal an infinite series of kaleidoscopic views as the crystals reflect and refract the multicoloured light. Faced with a shimmering, geometric mirage, visitors are challenged to interact with the reflections, exploring the connections between each other and the world around them.
Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, commented: “We are extremely pleased to collaborate with the innovative Emirati designer Zeinab Al Hashemi on her stunning hexalite installation. This playful kaleidoscopic piece is the perfect way to celebrate our debut at Dubai Design Week.” The installation expresses Swarovski’s growing support for art and design innovation in the UAE.
