Building on the success of the first show of ‘The Bravery of Being Out of Range’ that was held at Athr Gallery in May 2011, a second show is being held at Sultan Gallery in Kuwait in collaboration with Athr Gallery, on January 17, 2012.

We live in a world where the golden arches are the most recognizable icon and a mere poke replaces a hug. This global system of intertwining networks creates a double edged sword. On the one hand, it has eroded any sense of authenticity and individuality and created an ethic of mass consumption and social irresponsibility. On the other hand, it presents an unparalleled democratizing tool. This speed and ease of access in the recording and spreading of information has allowed for transparency and paved the way for bottom up change.

Our globalised world dictates a predetermined range, within which we find socially acceptable ways of being and seeing.  Through art and discourse, such notions are bravely challenged and questioned, hence the bravery of being out of range.

Concept:

“The defining ethics in our modern society have whitewashed any sense of authenticity and individuality, creating an unyielding want for more of the same. This global system of intertwining networks creates a double edged sword. On the one hand, the collective conformity that characterizes our globalised culture undermines the value of uniqueness, creativity and thoughtful deliberation of the individual. On the other hand, however, the ease in speed and universal access of information ignites patterns of behavioral change across the region which contributes to the shift in balance in societal, interpersonal and relational dynamics. It is this relationship that we wish to explore.”

The Range (Conversation 1):

Over the last couple of decades, developments in new age media have formed global webs of social networks. Not only is there more variety and options in terms of which news channel you watch, which radio channel you tune into or which products you buy but the ease of access to them has grown. You are connected everywhere and anywhere 24/7 at the click of a button. A mould has been cast that’s sets us within a preconceived range, whereby our hunger for want and more of the same is never satiated. The following works portray such a relationship and the influence that media has, from the saturation of consumer products and Hollywood flicks to the ever familiar antennas erect across our skylines that have made such connectivity and way of life possible.

The Resolute (Conversation 2):

Such networks have influenced our everyday lives- not only in the way we live but in the way we interact with each other. From the box in your living room to the radio in your car and the camera on your phone, you are always connected. You are always at the giving and receiving end of information, opinion and developments. This is an incredibly democratizing tool that encourages bottom up change- be it social, political or environmental. Billboards and advertisements have become the trees in our urban jungle and flying from country to country has become a convenient commute. This shows you the potential might of such media to not only reshape the physicality of our environment but also down to our core principles and values. It has become the driving impetus for sociability and reform.

The Breaking (Conversation 3)

This surge in mass consumerism has gradually led to the break down and erosion of any sense of authenticity and individuality. For such a world made up of numerous polarities, to have a single socially accepted range leads to difficult and dangerous outcomes. Divergences will arise and lead to rises and falls, breakdowns and revisions. The same tools that connect the world, can also disengage it.

This exhibition features works by:

• Ahmed Mater
• Aya Haidar
• Ayman Yossri Daydban
• Bassem Mansour &Dana Al Jouder
• Fatima Al Qadiri & Khalid Al Gharaballi
• Hamad Khalaf
• Hassan Hajjaj
• James Clar
• Maha Malluh
• Monira Al Qadiri
• Pouran Jinchi
• Sami Al Turki
• Tarek Al Ghoussein
• Yara El Sherbini

October 4th – 20th , 2011

Recognizing as always its deep roots in the region and the wider Levant, and inspired by the wave of social and political developments sweeping the Arab world, ‘Bokja Design’ will show a series of globes and two installations at an event entitled “ Arab _ Fall” at the Sultan Gallery in Kuwait during the period from 4^th – 20^th October, 2011.

‘Bokja Design’ chose to represent solely Arab countries, and to stretch them out on a complete globe – challenging an instantly recognizable icon. By presenting the map of the Arab world in different colorfully upholstered designs, the series of globes essentially aim to draw attention to the region as a seething macrocosm of change and to express the extent of its sweep and diversity.

The globes are complemented by two installations; one of which shows the Arab world as-is. Another parallel and facing wall-hanging will show the map through according to Bokja; interpreted through the prism of what will come.

Bokja has always been an active commentator on the Lebanese social and political situation, so it is only natural that the scope be extended.  Following the assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, and in the wake of the demonstrations that ensued, ‘Bokja Design’ created a series of furniture commemorating those events. Similarly, in the wake of the Israeli invasion of 2006, a special salute was given to displaced citizens, by upholstering pieces in the colorful fabrics that were seen piled up on cars fleeing the south.

About Bokja

Bokja* was established in the year 2000 by Lebanese designers Hoda Baroudi and Maria Hibri who brought a similar passion for detail and history to the furniture, which they create under the same name. Baroudi and Hibri source furniture designs from the 50s, 60s and 70s, unearthed in Beirut’s flea-markets and antique dealerships, and then cover them with exuberant tapestries and textiles from the Levant and the legendary Silk Road countries of Central Asia. Combining ancient culture with repurposed modern design, Bokja is creating one-of-a-kind pieces that offer an explosion of color, pattern and a richly textured sense of history.

In 2009, Bokja was chosen to be featured in Li-Edelkoort’s (founder and former director of Eindhoven School of Design) retrospective, where she highlighted what she judged to be the most important themes that have influenced trends in fashion, photography, and design. Other designers in the exhibit included Marcel Wanders, Christian Lacroix, Studio Job, the Campana brothers and Philippe Starck, to mention a few. Li Edelkoort is one of the world’s most renowned trend forecasters. In 2003 TIME Magazine named her one of the world’s 25 Most Influential People in Fashion, and in 2004 she was listed in Icon as one of the 21 Most Important People in Design.

At Salone 2010, they presented the “Conversation Sofas” 2 curved sofas positioned face to face in an “S” shape and boasting beautiful vintage and contemporary fabrics from around the world. The project celebrates the narratives and experiences that make up a sofa.  The idea is that the object – in this case the sofa – is the moment from which conversations between time and place emerge, and that these narratives and stories don’t cease to exist with the object, but go on to live beyond it.

The Sotheby’s Material Worlds Exhibition 2011 brought together cutting-edge, one-off and limited edition works in strikingly different materials by 11 artists and designers. Among which Bokja’ s duo Hoda Baroudi and Maria Hibri presented the giant Queen Bees that were made from recycled metal and vintage fabric and were designed to highlight the plight the rapid depletion of the world’s bee population. The juxtaposition of these overtly 21st century works in the medieval setting of Sudeley Castle created a dramatic impact.