THE MODERN SALON OF ACCESSORIES AND ORIGINAL DETAILS FOR CREATION OF A HOME COMFORT CITIES OPENED IN DUBAI, IN THE GALLERIA SHOPPING CENTER. THE IDEA IS SIMPLE: TO ATTRACT THE WHOLE FAMILY IN A WORLD TRAVEL OF IDEAS GATHERED FROM THE WHOLE WORLD. WE MEET HAZEM AL JESROME, THE CREATOR OF THE DISCOVERY WORLD, TO ENJOY THE CHRISTMAS REVELATION, TALK ABOUT Trivia and General.
Hazem, please accept our congratulations on the opening of the Cities showroom at The Galleria. How do you rate the cultural and educational level of your Gulf clients interested in art and design?
Hazem: I believe that clients have good knowledge in this area, and they are always interested in receiving new information about art and design. In this region, according to tradition, the greatest emphasis was placed on the classical style, but more and more people go beyond its framework, they are attracted to more modern styles. Many people seek to express their individuality and originality through the works of art and design that they choose for their homes. Cities is an ideal place for such people, because we specialize in unique and eclectic contemporary art.
The number and quality of art and design galleries has grown in recent years, so what makes Cities different and makes it special?
Hazem: First of all, with us, in fact, everyone can find a thing to their taste: discerning collectors, and randomly wandered customers. We have a diverse assortment, and we constantly update our shop windows and introduce new designers and new interior items. We are working intensively on the design of demonstration compositions, and not only offer customers unique works, but also show them how they can fit into the design of their houses and decorate them.
What inspires you in works of art? What criteria do you follow when selecting them for your gallery?
Hazem: I am attracted to works that are distinguished by their originality and are able to inspire new ideas, and it is very important for me to feel this special connection with each selected item. In addition, we are looking for works of the highest quality, created with special skill; unique products created with love and attention to the smallest details. We also try to encourage new promising designers of the region and, of course, we are looking for craftsmen who can surprise with innovations.
Tell us about your successful experience with the Tom Dixon Design Salon Network.
Hazem: My work at Tom Dixon really became the foundation for the future. It was an important experience. I studied the process of creating a design - from an idea through all stages to creating the final product. I always loved design, but working at Tom Dixon helped to strengthen my passion, gave me the opportunity to understand what role I would like to play in the world of art and design.
How does the Cities Gallery take part in the life of the art world and customer education in Dubai?
Hazem: I hope that our contribution in this area is significant enough. One of our goals, especially in Dubai, is to create not just a store, but a place where people can get acquainted with the works of new artists and designers and enjoy their works. Cities is a salon where you can buy not just things, but the very ideas of design, art and an exquisite lifestyle. This is our philosophy: we do not just sell products, we are creating a new lifestyle. We have already planned several exhibitions, the first of which will take place shortly after the New Year - we will represent certain designers at them. We will also take part in the exhibition "Design Days in Dubai" in 2015. In addition, we try to support artists in every possible way.
Cities Gallery already demonstrates the work of designers such as Arva, Hafiz, Bokya and Nada Debs. What new and famous names in the world of art and design will be presented in Cities? Hazem: Currently, we are most fascinated by the works of French artist Richard Orlinsky and Spanish designer Maximo Riyera. They are both very talented, and their work can be found in Cities. Two Middle Eastern designers that are gaining popularity are Lebanese Khaled El Mays and Naif Francis. Their work is very innovative and very carefully executed, they can also be found in Cities. In addition, we are proud that Cities will soon exhibit a selection of Tom Dixon.
There are several artists whose work I would like to put in Cities. First of all, this is the Tunisian artist El Cid, who created the style that he calls Calligraphy. His works are stylized inscriptions in Arabic script, which looks very beautiful and exciting. I am a big fan of Korean artist Cha Yongru and Xavier Puente Vilardella, who works in Belgium. Both of these artists work on wood and create works that push the boundaries of ideas about the possibilities of this material.
Where do you plan to open the next gallery Cities?
Hazem: We are considering several different places, including the opening of a second store in Dubai. We are currently working on expanding our presence in Riyadh, where a large store opens early next year.
