Bottega Veneta Unveils Waves: A Sonic and Cultural Tapestry in Dubai

Art
November 12, 2024

Now reading: Bottega Veneta Unveils Waves: A Sonic and Cultural Tapestry in Dubai

Under the visionary eye of Matthieu Blazy, Bottega Veneta unveils Waves—an avant-garde homage to sound, culture, and artisanal mastery, debuting in Dubai’s enigmatic Concrete space.

A sensory experience like no other, Waves spotlights an inspiring ensemble of Middle Eastern artists, each embodying the house's commitment to cultural resonance and the seamless blend of heritage and modernity.

Space by Carl Gerges. Image courtesy of Bottega Veneta

The setting, crafted by architect Carl Gerges in close collaboration with Blazy, mirrors the organic beauty of the desert. Soft, sand-toned surfaces and intimate, low seating echo undulating dunes and rippling sound waves, setting the stage for reflection and wonder. Inside, Lebanese artist Tarek Atoui’s immersive soundscape takes on a life of its own, as his unconventional instruments emit continuously shifting compositions, fusing digital, analogue, and ancient tones. Each sound, emerging from Atoui’s experimental setup, transforms the everyday into a hauntingly beautiful aural landscape.

The evening’s performance lineup brings together voices and styles from across the region: Palestinian-Jordanian songstress Zeyne, ethereal Palestinian-Canadian artist Nemahsis, Kuwaiti composer Fatima Al Qadiri, Egyptian vocalist Dina El Wedidi, and Bachir Attar of the iconic Master Musicians of Jajouka. Together, these artists weave tradition with innovation, creating a transcendent symphony that bridges past and present.

Left/the space by Carl Gerges & Matthieu Blazy. Image courtesy of Bottega Veneta. Right/Zeyne. Image courtesy of Dahoul Studio.

Since its inception in 1966, Bottega Veneta has remained steadfast in its celebration of craftsmanship and cultural connection. Waves is yet another testament to the brand’s dedication to artistry—each note and every detail a tribute to the craft and creativity that define its essence. Here, Bottega Veneta extends its legacy, inviting a new generation to experience the world through its singular, resonant lens.

Meet the visionaries redefining sound and culture for Waves.

Lebanese artist Tarek Atoui brings his boundary-pushing approach to performance art, merging electroacoustic composition with immersive, interactive experiences that challenge traditional perceptions of sound, weaving social, historical, and political narratives. Palestinian-Jordanian musician Zeyne transcends borders between R&B and Arabic music, infusing her heritage into every track, from her breakout Ma Bansak on Colors to hits like Balak and Ana Wein. Rising Palestinian-Canadian singer Nemahsis captivates with a soulful voice and evocative lyrics exploring identity, belonging, and her experiences as a Muslim woman—recently debuting her album Verbathim.

Kuwaiti artist Fatima Al Qadiri, inspired by her Senegalese roots, blends electronic music with themes of spirituality and futurism, known for albums like Asiatisch and Medieval Femme. Egyptian singer Dina El Wedidi, mentored by Gilberto Gil, mixes Fusion and New Folk, recognized as a Next Generation Leader by Time and continuing her evolution with Five Seasons. Finally, Moroccan musician Bachir Attar leads The Master Musicians of Jajouka, preserving centuries-old Sufi traditions while blending them with contemporary influences, a mystical cultural legacy that resonates globally.

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