20.12.17

end of fall '17

fall semester inspiration board (detail) . 2017

midterm presentation . 2017

end of semester final presentation . 2017 (image courtesy of mays albeik)

end of semester final presentation . 2017 (image courtesy of mays albeik)

end of semester final presentation . 2017 (image courtesy of mays albeik)

end of semester final presentation . 2017 (image courtesy of mays albeik)

end of semester final presentation . 2017 (image courtesy of mays albeik)


another semester done, and only a semester away before i graduate! it's so crazy how time flies. this semester was definitely a whirlwind filled with mixed emotions and a lot of frustrations. but i'm glad my textile peers and i managed to survive through it all and have a good semester in terms of the work we produced.
my main textile project for fall was working on a collection of 'wearable' pieces inspired by male representations in the uae from over the years. researching various motifs, objects and symbols from the uae's past, as well as recent social/political developments that have created new representations of patriotism and nationalistic pride, i created a collection of textiles that combine various male archetypes as well as creating homegrown 'superheroes'. some archetypes presented include the leader, the soldier, the comedian, the urban patriot, the chameleon – and when one wears these particular fabrics, they embody these heroic archetypes. 
for a semester's work, i think i ended up in a really good place to take this project further into my thesis in the spring semester. i really enjoyed experimenting on what were initally plain fabrics, bringing them to life with printing exciting patterns and symbols. stay tuned to see where this project goes and evolves during my final semester at risd (gulp!). 

2.12.17

have a cup of karak for uae national day

karak house for uae national day . 2017

karak house for uae national day pattern design . 2017

karak house uae national day limited edition cups (image courtesy of karak house) . 2017

karak house uae national day limited edition cups (image courtesy of karak house) . 2017

karak house uae national day limited edition cups (image courtesy of karak house) . 2017

karak house uae national day limited edition cups (image courtesy of karak house) . 2017

happy national day to the united arab emirates. the uae turns 46 today, and i wish i was back home to be around the festivities. i'm sending lots of patriotic love all the way from providence.
here's a little post sharing my contribution to mark the occasion. i was approached by dubai based restaurant/cafe karak house, to create an illustration for uae national day. the final illustrated pattern is being used as a limited edition wraparound design on their paper cups for serving 'karak' tea.
i'm really happy with how the cups turned out. it looks super festive, cool, and comes in two color options to add a little variety for consumers to choose from. make sure to head to karak house and order a cup of chai karak, and you'll get to keep (don't throw them away!) your very own limited edition cups. 
a big thank you goes out to the karak house team for reaching out to work together. i'm so happy with the final result. here's to possible collaborations in the near future.
lastly, i dedicate this post to the uae – i'm proud of being from the emirates, and to call you my home. may you grow and prosper always...