aljoud lootah weaves sculptural seaside installation using emirati fishing techniques

aljoud lootah weaves sculptural seaside installation using emirati fishing techniques
all images courtesy of aljoud lootah

during the inaugural dubai design week, a series of installations placed in strategic locations around the city highlight renowned international and local design talent. as an exploration of tradition coupled with contemporary aesthetic techniques, dubai-based designer aljoud lootah presents a sculptural project for both the creative community and passersby on the city’s beach by meraas. drawing insight from the local heritage, craftspeople and everyday practices, lootah has based the installation ‘yaroof’ off of a type of traditional fishing from the region.

the style of shore fishing, called ‘yaroof ياروف’, uses beach seine netting made of strong, woven mesh, which is mainly used in the capture of small fish. fishermen lay the net at the shore while he wades into the sea with the edge of the net firmly in his grip. fish are caught inside the net when it is pulled ashore with the help of other fishermen.

the installation is presented for both the creative community and passersby on the city’s beach by meraas

comprising four octogonal frames, the installation’s structure and components are completely motivated by the unique process of yaroof fishing. blue nylon ropes weave intricately linked patterns that depict the both shape and configuration of a fishing net, while also closely mirroring the complexity of arabesque motifs. the curves and small circles found in the design of the nets, however rounded, are created entirely with straight lines.

‘yaroof’ draws insight from the local heritage, craftspeople and traditional, everyday practices

blue nylon rope is interconnected by an octogonal frame 

the half open structure provides a shelter for nearby beach-goers

the installation is placed in the context of the beach, where the fishing nets are most commonly used 

curved formations are actually created entirely by straight lines 

the patterns produced reference not only fishing nets, but also complex arabesque patterns

the installation overlooks the sunny beach landscape in dubai

interwoven strings reach from end to end of the octagon frame overhead 

the installation’s structure and components are completely motivated by the unique process of yaroof fishing

four octogonal frames fit together and contain the intricate weavings

‘yaroof’ overlooks dubai’s towering residential structures

the installation brings together traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics 

blue nylon ropes weave intricately linked patterns that depict the both shape and configuration of a fishing net

about dubai design week

the establishment of the dubai design week provides a platform for international design weeks to bring established and emerging brands to a new audience. dubai design week will also provide an opportunity for the MENASA countries to demonstrate their design talent within the dubai design district (D3), for ground-breaking installations to highlight many of the iconic buildings and locations within dubai and to promote design education through a program of talks, discussions and workshops.

about the dubai design district (D3)

dubai design district (D3) is dedicated to fostering the growth of the emirate’s design, fashion, art, and luxury industry. it offers businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals a creative community that will be at the very heart of the region’s design scene. D3 is a purpose built environment catering to the full value chain of the design, fashion and luxury industry, all with the vision of creating a world class creative community that engages, nurtures and promotes local, regional and global design talent.

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