“KURSI” Art Installation Lands at Dubai’s 25Hours Hotel
25hours Hotel One Central, known for its unique and creative hospitality, announces a collaboration with Lebanese artist Ali Cha’aban and the design firm FLAVA Lab. Together, they present "KURSI," a distinctive chair installation symbolizing cultural thought and movement. Launching on June 27, the partnership aims to convey a powerful narrative that honors history while looking toward the future, capturing the essence of the region's journey and evolution over time.
The collaboration highlights the synergy between Ali Cha’aban's artistic vision and FLAVA Lab's talents, resulting in a statement piece that merges the hotel's rich narrative with each designer's unique perspective. The installation harmonizes the vision of each talent with a true sense of history, which the hotel aims to share with its guests and visitors.
"KURSI" at 25hours Hotel One Central pays tribute to the Middle East's rich culture and dynamic growth. The installation symbolizes a dialogue between the past and the future, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Located in the hotel's vibrant lobby, "KURSI" explores the past, present, and future through its design, encouraging viewers to reflect on their heritage while inspiring future innovations.
Inspired by the concept of a space throne, "KURSI" is an innovative creation by Ali Cha’aban and FLAVA Lab. The design features faux silver leather and PVC for a sleek, futuristic appearance, with a tufted design standing at 1.8 meters high and an accompanying carpet installation measuring 8.5 meters. "KURSI" maintains mobility and modernity, reflecting contemporary design principles. The installation also includes a large carpet inspired by traditional Persian tapestries, with intricate patterns and colors. Tentacle-like extensions from the carpet reach towards the chair, prompting viewers to consider the relationship between time and progress as the region evolves.
Ali Cha’aban's work often explores themes of nostalgia and identity, bringing a profound perspective to this collaboration. His creative approach, deeply rooted in the cultural and socio-political landscape of the Middle East, invites contemplation of the region's progress. He notes that chairs are significant social symbols, fundamental to spaces where people gather, share stories, and connect. "KURSI" embodies this social aspect, creating a comfortable space for communication and reflection. By incorporating the elegance of a Persian carpet, the installation represents the intersection of tradition and innovation, embodying history, progress, and the continuous dance of time.
FLAVA Lab, co-founded by Faizal Razak and Lava Ilieva, is known for pushing the boundaries of conventional design. Their avant-garde approach and dedication to creating immersive experiences ensure that "KURSI" is not just an installation but an engaging piece of art. Their expertise in integrating various creative disciplines adds a new dimension to the project, showcasing true collaborative creation. Coming from the Arabic word for chair or throne, "KURSI" uses materials that evoke the space age feel of the 1960s. Modern techniques like 3D printing brought the chair to life, exploring the interplay between texture, material, and form.
