Since 2011, the JM design practice has been developing proficiency in collectable, customizable and modular product design that has continuously evolved along with the Lebanese design scene.
Joy Mardini Design Gallery is located in Beirut’s Gemmayze district, a renowned eclectic hub framed by traditional architecture that is home to a milieu of creatives, designers, and galleries. The showroom includes a lineup of contemporary designers that work in tandem with local craftsmen to bring forth their unique aesthetic sensibilities. Joy Mardini, director of the gallery, has found through her experiences that good design is born out of a thorough understanding of materials, craftsmanship and purpose paired together with sound stylistic perceptions. Along with her team, Joy plans on introducing an innovative concept embodying the synergy between quality design and a tailor made personal approach.
Taking the idea of all people are connected by at least six steps or less from each other, artist Charles Kalpakian was inspired to create his latest collection, Six Degrees of Separation.
This collection approaches the idea through different frameworks — and uses objects rather than people or living things. He gives nod to Brutalist, Monumentalist, and Constructivist design and the objects all have twisted, connected, tubular forms that create networks, similar to societies. The collection shows how, even though these design styles may seem very different at first glance, they are still very interconnected through broader design elements. Six Degrees of Separation includes side tables, a mirrored console, wall appliqués, and a desk/console. All sculptural, all made of wood, and each can be customized.