The Doha-based multidisciplinary designer, a Design Days Dubai young talent success story, returns for a second time as an independent designer after having first exhibited as a student with VCUQatar in 2015.

Doha-based Aisha Al-Sowaidi, a Design Days Dubai young talent success story, returns for a second time as an independent designer after having first exhibited as a student with VCUQatar in 2015. A multidisciplinary designer, Aisha rethinks the forms of the daily objects within a household, moving traditional artefacts towards contemporary forms and functions. She is inspired by childhood memories and the altered remembrance of moments in the past, and her designs are an expression of a local designer towards a fast-developing country, globalisation, and traditions. Design Days Dubai caught up with Aisha before the show.

Q: It’s a year since you debuted at Design Days Dubai as a solo designer. How successful was the event for you? What were your highlights of the event and where has it lead you?

AISHA AL-SOWAIDI: I exhibited last year for the first time as a solo designer because I enjoyed being part of this amazing event which I first participated at as a student as VCUQatar. I felt the experience was very enriching, from installing and preparing for the start of the fair, to talking about the projects and meeting people who are interested in hearing about mine. Last year, I exhibited my Domestic Midkhans collection, and I really enjoyed talking to people about the concept behind it. I got to know some amazing designers, and met a lot of people from the field. I feel like everyone I approach now for project opportunities I’ve already met at Design Days Dubai.

Q: What have you been working on over the last year? Can we expect new pieces or collections for this year’s fair?

AISHA: I've been working on a concept based on the contemporary Majlis for this year’s fair. I briefly explored this theme before, and have expanded my research and explored new designs for Majlis.

Q: Are local Emiratis becoming more design-literate? How do they compare with the Qataris when it comes to appreciating design?

AISHA: Over more than a decade I've seen Dubai grow enormously in its appreciation of art and design. It’s a very global city with people from everywhere living and working there. Anyone surrounded by events that turn their city into an art exhibit will, of course, develop a more sophisticated eye.

In Qatar, people are exposed to many cultural festivals and art events including major art exhibitions. The growing number of museums in the country is spreading visual literacy and I do notice locals paying more attention to art than design. As a designer, specifically a multidisciplinary one, I cross back and forth into art as I want to express an idea, a concept, perhaps even an expression.  

For the full exhibitor line-up, click here.