Siba Sahabi

Bridging cultures through making

• Siba's work draws on European and Middle Eastern culture
• She makes felt vases by gluing and coiling felt strips
• She also works with brass, copper, resin, chalk and paper

Siba Sahabi is a German-Iranian designer who graduated from the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam. Siba translates her research on cultural identity into contemporary design through an interpretation of forms and concepts. Her varied work includes installations, sculptures, objects and films, encompassing limited edition designs, large-scale installations and public art pieces. Her award-winning work has been exhibited internationally in museums and galleries including Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires, Spazio Rossana Orlandi in Milan and the Saatchi Gallery in London.

Interview

©Renée Frinking

©Annemarijne bax

Why did you move from design into craftsmanship?

Creating and expressing myself through art and design has always been part of my life. I was collaborating with Frank Visser from Studio IJM, when we were invited to set up an installation during the Design Weekend in Amsterdam in 2009.

How did you develop your technique of working with felt?

I came up spontaneously with my “rolling” technique using paper. I continued using paper for another three years before I moved over to felt. Through the application of felt I can create taller vases compared to paper.

Is what you do linked to the region you work in?

My work reflects the history and impact of the potter’s wheel on European ceramics. I work with felt instead of ceramics and play with the application of different materials. I reference traditional forms and tools but apply them in a contemporary way.

Can you describe your work in three words?

Timeless, poetic and experimental. Most of the time my work is based on historical facts, legends or knowledge showing how the Middle East has influenced European culture, or vice versa. My work doesn’t 'fall from the sky' but is the result of reading books and working hard.

Siba Sahabi is a master artisan: she began her career in 2002 and she started teaching in 2009

Works

©Lisa Klappe

©Lisa Klappe

©Lisa Klappe

©Lisa Klappe

Where