Change Observer +
The past couple of months have been crazy: check out my article for Change Observer here, interviews for Notes on Design here, and other texts here. Last week, I morphed into visiting tutor for students at Raffles Design Institute Beijing, and saw the launch of some exciting projects, including To Haiti With Love.
Affordable Art Beijing (AAB)
Founded in 2006, AAB has grown to become one of the most important art events in the region, allowing art-lovers to take home an original piece of contemporary art whilst also providing a platform for artists to exhibit their work. I will be presenting some of my work at this year's event, which will be held at The Village, Sanlitun on 24th and 25th April (AAB website).
Notes on Design
I have been asked to act as contributor for Notes on Design, an online design magazine established by Scott Chappell, and was recently featured on the website, with thanks to Kate Andrews (read the article here). Also keeping me busy is an architectural project for Tsinghua University (in collaboration with AfH, Beijing).
Hello 2010. Let's Design Like We Give a Damn
A new year means new opportunities to make a difference through design. I've started the year off with a role in the sustainability sector here in Beijing, as well as looking to get involved with some amazing social projects, such as AfH Beijing and Beijing CHP. Nothing is for definite yet, but it's still quite exciting to see such ventures kicking off here.
Logo © FCO.
New Work, New Merch, New Year
I can't believe that 2009 is nearly over! Where does the time go? Lots of new work has been added to the website, including an update to the Freelance section: web work for Streatham Park Surgery. This took just under a year to complete, so it's amazing to finally have it up and running. Many thanks to Shih Oon Liong for working on this with me. Also in the updates department, 60+ Years has undergone some changes, and a new section has been added to the Projects list.
New merch is now available for X-mas. The necklace shown below comprises of a speech bubble, laser cut from translucent, white acrylic, and comes complete with a silver ball chain. E-mail me for prices + orders. More flicks here and here.
This will probably be the last update until 2010, as I'll be out-of-studio and enjoying the UK/China Winter Wonderland. Lots planned for the New Year though, all to be revealed shortly. Happy New Year everyone! Bring on 2010!
Now: Icograda WDC 2009 + 1st Beijing Design Week
More than 2000 attendees
97 internationally renowned speakers from 6 continents
46 workshops around China
25 exhibitions
13 design-related events
An opening ceremony at Beijing’s iconic NCPA
Read more here; see more here.
Icograda World Design Congress 2009
There's just over a month left until Xin: Icograda World Design Congress (in association with the 1st Beijing Design Week) will take place in Beijing, China. We're working like clockwork in preparation, but we're all very excited. See the main website for details; come say hello!
Thanks Muchly!
After 3 months at the British Council, Beijing, it is time to say goodbye. Many thanks to the Arts team for having me; it was a great experience! I am now available for commissions and collaborations. Drop me an e-mail if you're interested. Judging for Power to the Poster is also done.
Climate Change & Cultural Week
To celebrate Turner (from the Tate Collection) arriving @ NAMOC, Beijing, the British Council organised "Climate Change & Culture Week," a series of events, talks, workshops and presentations provoking eco-discussion. I mainly assisted in a 2-day workshop with Alex Mowat (of Urban Salon), thinking and designing around the idea of a "Low Carbon Museum." More images here.
What's Happening in 2009?
Many things in the pipeline for Spring 2009! Meanwhile, see how I've been keeping myself busy on Flickr, inc. an article for AIGA, a PYRA:MI[N]DS submission and a graphics-based campaign entitled Free Palestine. Also, check out my new diamond here.
Flickr-ing & Twitter-ing
I'll be updating my Flickr account with small bits and pieces whilst I sort myself out with a new apartment. Check it out here. Also, thanks to YCN, Design Applause and Design for Mankind. Stay tuned!
<Edit> Just discovered Twitter; follow me.</Edit>
| www.flickr.com/photos/zara-arshad
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Goodbye London 2008, Hello Beijing 2009
Hope The Big Issue keeps you warm until I've found another internet connection. Read: Cover, Pages 1-2, Page 3. <Edit> Work mentioned on rebel:art and Thunder Chunky (thanks). </Edit>
New Project: 60 Years
The 60 Years project aims to creatively commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: the first global expression of rights to which all human beings are inherently entitled.
Designers have been invited to take part by writing or drawing on a mini protest board to exercise their right to free speech and self-expression. The boards have been posted to both established and upcoming designers, to be filled out and sent back to me as soon as possible. Learn more here, or view the current submissions on Flickr.
If you're interested in contributing, drop me an e-mail. Please include a link to your website or examples of previous design work.
Mysterious Photoshoot
I'm still recovering from an intense 3-day photoshoot with Andrea Rossi, but the who, what, where, whens and whys will be revealed later on since I'm sworn to secrecy right now. Meanwhile, here's a taster of what's to come...
SomeRightsReserved @ Designers Block
KithKin's SRR shop (feat. "How to Fill Out a SOCPA Form" and other design treats) and Designers Block bring you a pop-up shop in Covent Garden. Photos on Flickr. Blogged on Ponoko (thanks).
Enter 08 @ Watermans
Last week was the private view of the Enter 08 exhibition @ Watermans; many thanks to Ilze Black and Sara Bint Moneer Khan for organising everything. The exhibition runs until Sunday 7th December if you still want to catch it. Details can be found on the new Enter 08 website here. Images on Flickr.
Watermans Exhibition Set-up
For the past couple of days I've been working on the set-up of my work for the Enter 08 exhibition @ Watermans. The exhibition is due to open on Monday 10th November. More details will follow; meanwhile, check out the set-up photos on Flickr. Also, thanks to the guys at YCN for giving me a copy of their book.
New Project: Unity Flag
Last month, I completed a design proposal for Adbusters: The One Flag. Today, I finally managed to get myself into gear and post it up (see Projects section). I also got some beautiful, limited edition A4 foil prints done which are available for sale. More images to come.
SomeRightsReserved @ KithKin
Download the "How to Fill Out a SOCPA Form" booklet for free at the SomeRightsReserved shop. DIY instructions are included.
24 Hour Design & Make, Done
Visit the website here for the full documentation.
24 Hour Design & Make
In an attempt to demonstrate what can be created in 24 hours, designers from various disciplines will come together to take part in an event that celebrates the process of design, whilst also "critiquing the idea of overly polished work." See the website for more.
Event:
Start: Friday 19th September, 7am
Finish: Saturday 20th September, 7am
Exhibition:
Opening Night: Saturday 20th September, 7pm
Exhibition: Sunday 21st - Friday 26th September
Hello Website
The website has finally launched itself onto the big bad www. Navigate your way through the site content using the links on the left; click "News & Press" to bring you back to this page. Enjoy your stay and come back soon for updates.
