Dubai has acted as inspiration for countless artists and designers.Here are some of the home accessories that aim to capture the city’s many facets.
1 Carry on drying
There are infinite variations of the “Keep Calm” theme, but Dubai residents and visitors just might buy into this one. Particularly since the words have been placed on these brightly coloured “foutas” – the lengths of cotton or linen that are commonly used around the Mediterranean and in African countries instead of towels.
• Keep Calm foutas, Dh180, O'de Rose, Al Wasl Road, Dubai
2 A cushy deal
We love these Old Dubai Door cushions by the Emirati brand ZUKRF, which are based on photographs taken of the ornate gates found outside some of Dubai’s older homes. We especially like the gentle colour combination of this particular piece, which is available in two sizes: 40 centimetres by 40cm or 50cm by 50cm.
• Old Dubai Door cushion, Dh350 (for the 40cm by 40cm version), O'de Rose
3 Head in the clouds
Bilal Ismail's Cloud Covered City gives Dubai's globally recognised skyline an almost mystical makeover. With some of the city's most sculptural buildings extending up above the clouds, the photographer presents an eerie yet magical scene. The giclee print comes on matte art paper in a range of sizes, including A2, A3 and A4, and can be framed or presented as a mounted print.
• Cloud Covered City by Bilal Ismail, Dh650 for the framed A3 version, Muse Artz, Times Square Center, Dubai and www.museartz.com
4 Wheely different
For a completely different perspective of Dubai, look to Lynn Emery's limited-edition photograph Cycling Through the Souq. The muted photo captures a far more sedate side to this bustling city, reminding us that there's plenty of life beyond the bright lights and gleaming skyscrapers. The image is printed on fine-art paper, with a matte black wooden frame.
• Cycling Through the Souq by Lynn Emery, Dh2,200, Muse Artz
5 The bright lights
It takes a few seconds to realise that this isn’t a picture of New York – or any of the world’s other big, iconic cities – but rather of the Dubai Marina. It was taken by the locally based photographer Francis Cox, and is printed on high-quality, archival fine-art paper. Limited to a run of 50 pieces, the print measures 28cm by 36cm and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
• Marina Lights by Francis Cox, Dh375, www.ideyna.com
6 The old made new
This digital giclee print on canvas offers an artful take on Dubai’s Old Souq. Measuring 80cm by 52cm, the piece by Paule Seux is available to order and will take two weeks to be processed – but if you’re looking for a piece that depicts a familiar scene in a new and interesting way, it’s well worth the wait.
• Digital Photography on Canvas Old Souq by Paule Seux, Dh1,200, Muse Artz
7 On top of the world
The Dutch design house Studio Job is known for creating opulent, intricate and ironic pieces of design, so it seems fitting that the Burj Khalifa would feature in its ouevre sooner or later. This three-metre-high sculpture and clock, depicting King Kong scaling the world’s tallest building, is made from polished and patinated bronze, cast aluminium and Swarovski crystals, as well as faux marble, hand-blown glass and LED light fittings. It’s available in a limited edition of five, from Carpenters Workshop Gallery, a leading design gallery with its headquarters in London.
• Burj Khalifa sculpture and clock, price on request, www.carpenters-workshopgallery.com
8 Dubai, with love
The Dubai Heart Map is based on an original illustration that has been glazed, cut into a heart shape and then mounted so it appears to float above its textured background. The maps come in two sizes, large and mini, and the large version can be ordered framed or unframed.
• Dubai Heart Map, Dh251, www.in-spaces.com