Posts tagged DESIGN
Sana’a, Yemen - A Portal into the Past

Entrance into the Old City Sana’a, Yemen

Sana’a Yemen

“Venice of The Arabia”

What’s the capital of Yemen? Bet you didn’t know it was an ancient city. A hidden gem. Sana’a is one of the oldest cities in the world and continuously inhabited for over 2500 years. Its beauty and history make it one of the greatest treasures in the Arab peninsula.

The exact year the city was established is not on any known record. However, the local Yemeni legend has it that the city was founded one of the sons of Prophet Noah.

Sana’a was once the central home to the Islamic Caliphate and has continued as the capital of Yemen. There still remains 11 hammams (public bath houses), 107 mosques, and over 6,500 houses. All built before the turn of the 11th century. The city’s elaborate maze of alleys and narrow streets is still functional today - even with modern cars. A remarkable feat for a city that is over 2,500 years old. The city has managed to retain its magical charm and tradition over the centuries and even defying modern architecture today. The city has local gardens (Mqashama) in each neighborhood to ensure self sufficiency and are designed to be watered from the runoff the mosques. The drainage system from other residential and public areas are directed towards the green spaces/urban gardens as well. The environmentally sustainable design built out of necessity is a standard even today’s cities struggle to achieve.

The city has been placed under UNESCO protection at the request of the city in 1988.

The anciet city of Sana’A

The only remaining original gate of Sana’a. One of seven that originally protected the city from invasion. Commonly referred to as the Yemen Gate.

Sana’a is also home to a pre-islamic fortress called Ghumdan. The 20 story palace is thought to be the first skyscraper.

The city is mostly made up of brick houses. The lower levels are built of stone and the upper levels of the lighter brick. The windows are lined with white gypsum.

On average, the apartment style homes of Sana’a rise nine stories high. The windows are adorned with stained glass and make for a mesmerizing view, twinkling with light from the residents, in the desert night sky.

Sana’a is also home to one of the oldest mosques in the world: The Great Mosque of San’a (aptly named). Exact date of the construction of the mosque is not known but it is estimated to have been built in 633 A.D.

15 kilometers from Sana’a is the Dar Al-Hajar. Although it was built in the 1920’s, the architecture is identical to that of its parent city, 2400 years older. It was built as the summer retreat of the then ruler of Yemen. Of course, right below is a structure built in 1786 for a scholar for his retreat to study, only 150 years before the summer retreat.


Nora GharibDESIGN
Scope 2021 – two years later

SCOPE Entry Miami 21’

Scope Miami 2021

“The New Contemporary Presents”

SCOPE International Contemporary Art Show celebrated its 20th edition return with its ensemble of NFTs, sculptures, installations and large paintings. Despite all the buzz surrounding NFTs this year, it was a breath of fresh air (no pun intended) to know that physical art still dominated the art landscape. The New Contemporary Presents et as this year’s theme, had a fitting blend new ideas/futuristic styles melded with traditional techniques.

Between Ocean Drive and 8th Street, with the ocean as the backdrop to 140 artists from different exhibitors - SCOPE reminded everyone of its uncanny ability to cast artists who have an eye to foresee visual trends.

It’s not hard to see why SCOPE has built up a reputation as a fan favorite event past of Art Basel. What’s not to love? Go check out some of the best art in the world compiled into tent on the beach for the purpose for our visual satisfaction. The contemporary artists, whose art was flown in from around the world, made for an exciting showing. Especially since it the first year back in person after the virtual viewing from 2020. My personal favorite was the dissection of Baby Yoda - hope all the Star Wars fans aren’t upset. Disclaimer: No baby Yoda’s were hurt during the showing.

Some of the fun from “The New Contemporary Presents” is seen below:

Art Basel (Miami Beach)

Dissection of Grogu, by Nychos

Untitled, by Misterpiro

100 Immersive Installation, by Mr. E

The evening agenda included some beach yoga and meditation & then some music and cocktails hosted by Sunsets by SCOPE. Guests are encouraged to stroll to the vibe of the musical guests, enjoying a drink and taking in the best of art this year’s artists had on display. There just is a different ambiance from an in person event that just can’t be captured from a virtual experience. Live Music. The smell of the ocean. Scope Miami 2021 is back, and hopefully, without future physical interruption…

Nora GharibDESIGN
Miami Art Basel is Back

Miami Art Basel 2021

It’s been a long two years

Art Basel Miami will make its first in-person return since 2019, the last time I was able to post about it, marking nearly two years without the highly-loved affair. Since its launch in 2002, Art Basel Miami has become North America's premier art fair and, subsequently, the most anticipated social event of Florida's fall calendar. In celebration of the event's return, the organizers have graciously extended their calendar, moving the VIP and press back one day to allow more time for public access to the nearly 253 galleries from across the globe, with works curated by the industry's top curators and museums. 

Dust off your sandals, grab a checklist or two, and get ready for complete submersion. 

What are Art Basel and Miami Art Week? 

Art Basel Miami is the North American installment of the global Basel art fair series, which hops from Basel, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Miami. The week is a major draw for collectors, curators, artists, and galleries—along with hundreds of celebrities, parties, and satellite art fairs. The week itself has since transitioned into "Miami Art Week." 

Art Basel comprises five sectors of art. Galleries (which represent artist like agents) showcase their inventory in carefully curated booths within the fairs themselves, Edition which covers reprints and editioned pieces of art, Nova which covers art created in the past three years, Positions which showcases emerging artists new to the scene, and Survey which highlights works created before 2000. 

When are Art Basel and Miami Art Week?

 November 30 through December 4, 2021.

Where is Art Basel Miami held?

Art Basel Miami Beach 2021 takes place at the new and very much improved Miami Beach Convention Center. Guided tours of Art Basel are organized in partnership with ArtNexus and available daily during show hours.

Satellite Shows

Art Miami

WHAT: Miami's original art fair, and the second most attended art fair in the world, the fair is celebrating its 31st edition with over 140 galleries, 60 cities, and 20 countries. Art Miami will feature all the heavy hitters (Haring, Picasso, etc.) from blue-chip dealers. 

WHERE: One Herald Plaza, NE 14th St.

WHEN: November 30, 2021–December 5, 2021

Scope Miami

WHAT: With pitstops in New York, Switzerland, and Miami, the 20th-annual Scope fair focuses on contemporary art, new artists, and emerging mediums. This year, the beach pavilion will have a range of experimental installations with large-scale works, yoga sessions, panel discussions, and musical performances. When the sun goes down, Scope turns into a full-fledged nightclub with a string of DJs set to perform. NFT art will be available for VIP ticket holders from over 125 galleries underneath the tent. Balmain is also hosting an activation at Scope Miami Beach, Balmain x (Red) Present Saype, and unveiling a fresco by the artist in honor of World AIDS Day on December 1.

WHERE: 801 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach.

WHEN: November 30, 2021–December 5, 2021

Design Miami

WHAT: Design Miami returns to the historic Pride Park for its 17th year examining themes of Humanity, and how design can improve our lives. The inclusive 20 galleries and 16 curatorial exhibitions bring together a diverse set of backgrounds often overlooked in utility-based art. Programming includes artist and designer talks, 3D tours, and a floor of work all available for purchase.  Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the Germane Barnes installation, and to catch the Rick Owens collaboration with the illustrious Carpenters Workshop Gallery. 

WHERE: Convention Center Drive and 19th St, Miami Beach. 

WHEN: November 30, 2021-December 5, 2021

Untitled Art Miami Beach

In its tenth year, Untitled Art Miami Beach focuses on the Nest sector, highlighting emerging artists, collectives, and non-profits. At the helm are founder Jeff Lawson and creative director Omar López-Chahoud. The show brings together 145 international galleries providing the newest waves of artists on the rise. 

WHERE: Ocean Drive and 12th Street, Miami Beach

WHEN: November 29, 2021-December 4, 2021

Perez Museum

WHAT: The storied institution has leaned into all things digital, with a virtual NFT exhibition NFTs The Next 500 Years along with in-person tours of its permanent collection. Daily tours are first-come, first-serve (you better be first, Perez is a can't miss institution), from 12 p.m. -3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Perez's Basel highlight is a range of illuminating panels, with programming including talks on the Afro Diaspora, and an artist led-tour with Marco Brambilla, which will be the educational highlight of Miami Art Week. Tribeca Festival 2021 Selection Breonna's Garden will be the most heartbreaking show of the week. Breonna's Garden will be held on Sunday, December 5th at 2p.m. 

WHERE: 1103 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 

WHEN: November 29, 2021-December 5, 2021

TICKETS: Free admission during Art Week

The Bass Museum

WHAT: The Bass Museum consistently shows up for Art Basel with the most anticipated collaborations. This year its Snapchat x Alex Israel exhibit will draw a crowd, while the Israeli artist Naama Tsabaar exhibit is bound to please. The Museum's permanent collection will also be available for viewing, during the week. Do not miss it. 

WHERE: 1103 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 

WHEN: November 29, 2021-December 5, 2021

Rubell Museum

WHAT: Beginning November 29, The Rubell Museum is opening its doors to the long-anticipated resident art shows including Vogue favorite Kennedy Yanko, Otis Kwame Kye Quaiacoe, and Genesis Tramaine. The nearly 46,000 square foot Museum has also curated seven new installations from artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Yoshitomo Nara, Reginald O'Neal, and Natalie Ball. 

WHERE: 1100 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 

WHEN: November 29, 2021-December 5, 2021

Nora GharibDESIGN