Bahraini Designer’s Mother-of-Pearl Installation Blends Tradition and Modernity at Dubai Design Week
Bahraini architect and interior designer Sarah Al Rayyes has showcased her installation, ‘Blessings of Iridescence,’ at the Dubai Design Week. The installation, named ‘Attay ar Rahman’ in Arabic, translates to ‘God’s divine gift.’ It features a sail-shaped structure crafted by fusing mother-of-pearl shells, symbolizing the rich tradition of pearl diving in Arab culture. Al Rayyes drew inspiration from the ocean and aimed to repurpose the often-wasted mother-of-pearl material. The installation aims to merge Arabian history with contemporary architecture, showcasing the beauty of creation with minimal modification. Al Rayyes emphasizes her commitment to preserving cultural heritage and passing it on to younger generations through art. The installation provides an immersive experience reminiscent of traditional pearl diving, featuring a dhow-like structure and pebble-like seating representing pearls. Al Rayyes believes the installation can be set up in various spaces, indoors or outdoors, offering versatility in design applications.
