29 February - 1 March


Teaching Graphic Design History in/of the Arab World: Narratives and Practices

DATE: Thursday 29th February - Friday 1st March 2024
TIME: 3-5pm UK / 5-7pm Lebanon

Graphic design in the Arab world has been shaped by colonial legacies that continue to influence both its teaching and practice. This research symposium aims to explore this issue by bringing together scholars, educators, and practitioners to discuss the decolonisation of graphic design education. It aims to provide a platform to reflect on challenges and opportunities, and consider approaches to the study of graphic design in the Arab world with a focus on the cultural, social, linguistic, and historical contexts of the region.

This online event is free and open to all.

This online event is free and open to all. It is organized by Dr. Yasmine Nachabe Taan, Lebanese American University, Beirut and Outreach and Membership Trustee of the Design History Society, and Dr. Lina Hakim, Senior Lecturer and member of the Visual and Material Culture Research Centre at Kingston University, London.

PROGRAM:

DAY 1: NARRATIVES (Thursday 29th February 2024, 3-5pm UK / 5-7pm Lebanon)

Welcome speech (Dean Elie Haddad, School of Architecture and Design, LAU)

Introduction (Dr. Yasmine Nachabe Taan & Dr. Lina Hakim)

Panel 1: Narratives (stories, definitions, timelines, archives)

Dina Benbrahim - Inside and outside the classroom: an anti-racist and feminist approach to design histories

Haytham Nawar - A History of Histories: The stories/challenges behind writing a book about “Arab Graphic Design History”

Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFarès - Uncovering the Multifaceted History of Typography in the Arab World

Yasmine Nachabe Taan - A Transition from Global to Glocal: Breaking Hierarchies in the Teaching of History of Graphic Design

Discussion (speakers + participants)

Open Q&A to audience

DAY 2: PRACTICES (Friday 1st March 2024, 3-5pm UK / 5-7pm Lebanon)

Panel 2: Practices (references, knowledge, language, dissemination)

Jana Traboulsi - Center and Margins in Design History — Reflecting on Kitab al Hawamesh

Moe Elhossieny - Archives of The Shadow: Institutions, Collectors, Dealers, and Heirs

Basma Hamdy - The Myth of Complexity in the Arabic Script

Lara Balaa - A Methodological Framework for Studying Geographies of Graphic Design

Discussion (speakers + participants)

Open Q&A to audience Reflective Commentary: Lina Hakim Closing remarks


REGISTRATION:

Day 1: https://events.teams.microsoft...

Day 2: https://events.teams.microsoft...

Event Webpage: https://www.kingston.ac.uk/fac...


FURTHER DETAILS

Visual and Material Culture Research Centre events details: https://www.kingston.ac.uk/faculties/kingston-school-of-art/research-and-innovation/visual-and-material-culture/conferences-and-events/

Institute of Art in the Arab World: https://sard.lau.edu.lb/about/institutes/iiaa/events.php

Instagram: iaaw_lau