The Zwara programme, a transformative initiative by M7 and Qatar Museums, continues to transform Qatar’s creative scene by offering a platform for emerging designers to push the boundaries of innovation, according to participants. Two of the four Doha-based designers, Stephen Amoyo of the Philippines, presenting *The Waiting Chair, and Abdul Basit of Pakistan, with his innovative “WeaveO” console, credit the programme for allowing them to explore their design ethos and connect with the local artistic community. The Zwara exhibition is running at M7’s Learning Space until December 18.
Speaking to *Gulf Times, multidisciplinary designer Amoyo said: “It was unexpected for me. When I was chosen, I felt so lucky and blessed. Through the programme, I learned so much about myself and my design ethos.
” “Ironically, my design is about creating community, and that’s exactly what I found here,” he added, highlighting how Zwara offered a safe and supportive space for designers to experiment, something he deeply appreciated. Amoyo presents *The Waiting Chair, a piece drawing inspiration from the late designer Virgil Abloh’s creative ethos and the iconic work of Jean Prouvé. It embodies his vision of a flexible, modular design that mirrors Doha’s ever-evolving urban landscape.
“Doha today is a sum total of globalisation, urbanisation, and change,” he pointed out. “I wanted my design to reflect that flexibility, not just as furniture, but as art.” Basit, mean.
