Gallery COLLECTIONAL, a brainchild of luxury developer H&H, is a new collectible design gallery launched during the 7th edition of Dubai Design Week 2021 with ‘The Shape of Things To Come’ exhibition and an exclusive Sabine Marcelis commission. The permanent gallery – Dubai’s first – focuses on regional and global collectible design items amidst a curated selection of iconic design objects by some of the most respected designer brands across the globe. Located in the Eden House complex in Dubai, the gallery explores the discourse between function and beauty by blurring the boundaries between art and design.
The Shape of Things to Come
For the inaugural show, ‘The Shape of Things to Come’, curated by Gallery COLLECTIONAL’s creative director Catalina Ruiz Urquiola, iconic works by renowned design houses are juxtaposed with commissioned and exclusive works by individual designers.
“The name of the exhibition is inspired by the objects, all of which have strong and dynamic shapes that push the boundaries of form. The name also represents the beginning of a long journey for the gallery and refers to the possibilities that design presents to shape the future of the dynamic city of Dubai and the anticipation for what is to come”, says Urquiola.
Mirage by Sabine Marcelis
Central to the exhibition is designer Sabine Marcelis’ new collection ‘Mirage’, which was inspired by Dubai and commissioned exclusively for the gallery. Whilst it’s a continuation of Sabine’s exploration into color and light, it’s the first time Marcelis worked with light within mirror design. The two mirrors (pictured below) and table that make up the collection represent the essence of Dubai as reflected through glass and light, inspired by the unique warm colors of the sun in the desert and the duality of the city during the day and night.
Further commissions
The inaugural exhibition features a host of exclusive commissions and limited-edition pieces from new and established designers including Michael Anastassiades (UK), Dimoremilano (Italy), CC Tapis (Italy), Christopher Boots (Australia), Niko Koronis (Italy), Ewe Studio (Mexico), Agglomerati (UK), Pietro Franceschini (USA/Italy), Christophe Delcourt (France), Collection Particulière (France), Stéphane Parmentier (France), Nada Debs (Lebanon), Faina (Ukraine), Dante Goods & Bads (Germany), Pierre de Valck (Brussels), Mark Sturkenboom (Netherlands), Kooij (Netherlands), Alexander Lamont (Thailand).
“The exhibition champions modern craftsmanship – bringing together time-honoured skills, new technologies and innovative materials. Whilst our first exhibition brings together global designers, plans are already underway to work with regional talent on championing collectible design coming from the region”, adds Urquiola.