Madar Studio’s curatorial practice focuses on bridging the real and the researched, using physical exhibitions that often function as hybrid spaces showcasing designers’ practices through their creations, as well as research content, often in the form of infographics and ecosystem-specific cartographies. The exhibition thus becomes a medium to represent design as both a scientific and skill-based practice that is equally transversal and transdisciplinary. This practice transcends the object while still using it as a vessel to convey the reality of the larger design and creative ecosystem, with all its complexities, specificities, and diversities. In turn, this ecosystem is interconnected with other cross-disciplinary social, political, ecological, and economic systems, as well as intangible and immaterial speculative spaces that are yet to be investigated and experienced.
Showroom Design Region Sud (2024)
"Showroom Design 2024" showcased the finalists for the "Prix Région Sud Design", organized by
Art-O-Rama, Marseille. The focus of my selection was on responsible design, with the aim of presenting a different perspective on design that goes beyond the object as a consumer product. It’s about considering the object as a vessel that
connects the creator’s practice to other disciplines within a larger ecosystem, thereby promoting mutual interactions and addressing social, ecological, economic, and political issues as a whole. This approach views design as a transversal practice, beyond merely focusing on the object out of its context.
Graphic Art Direction: Matteo Penza
Professionalization Workshop -
ESAAIX university & Artagon.org(2024)
This workshop guides participants in creating personal maps to visualize and navigate the creative economy. Through research on art, design, and craft ecosystems, they explore key stakeholders, challenges, and sustainable practices. Participants then develop visual maps and infographics to synthesize their insights and analyze case studies for deeper understanding.
Inspired by Madar's research exhibitions methodologies, such as "Under Design Lebanon" (Milan 2023) and "Showroom Design 2024" (Marseille), the workshop fosters a practical approach to positioning one’s practice within the cultural and creative ecosystem.
Under Design Lebanon
(2023)
"Under Design Lebanon," presented at Isola Design District at the 2023 Salone del Mobile in Milan, showcases Lebanon-based designers, collectives, craftsmen, and associations.
The exhibition maps Lebanon's creative sector amidst its social, political, and economic crises, focusing on sustaining small and medium-sized craft businesses.
These sectors play a vital role in local economies, promoting innovation in techniques and resources. The exhibit includes diverse media—literary, digital, video, and augmented reality—offering an in-depth view of Lebanon’s design and crafts ecosystem.
Graphic Art Direction: Lynn Zakhour
Madar Research Exhibition
(2019)
Madar was an exhibition showcasing Middle Eastern designers and experts, focusing on the ecosystem behind the design industry.
Commissioned by d3, it highlights processes using technology to preserve crafts, creating sustainable materials from waste, and reducing manufacturing excess through digital fabrication.
The exhibition maps creative activity across Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, offering insights and opportunities for designers to innovate, experiment, and contribute to social impact and equitable change.
Infographics Design: Infographic.ly
