CRYSTALIZED MODERN ARTEFACTS FROM a FICTIONAL TIME at the DEAD SEA
I'm Jordanian, born and raised in Amman, and I still frequently visit the Dead Sea, just a short 40-minute drive to the 'lowest point on earth.' The fact that it holds this title, yet I haven't seen it used as a setting in mainstream media or film, has inspired me to set the stage for my own exploration, with the use of Midjourney A.I.
The Dead Sea holds a rich history, and from my earliest memories, every visit prompted the question: when will it disappear? (asked by climate, geological, and Dead Sea experts). With each visit, you would find yourself descending a few more stairs to reach sea level. It's eerie and unsettling, yet precious to me; many Jordanians and all those who have visited Jordan consider it a must-stop.
The sea's saline levels and its byproducts are a true treasure, but before the skincare and tourism plans, here's my perspective on it.
As a creative, I've always been intrigued by how magical the salt residue looks on the newly exposed bedrock, glittering magnificently in the sunlight. Even after swimming in the sea and taking a moment on a rock by the salty water, I would see my skin crystallize, with little crystals sparkling in my hair. So, I became fascinated by this idea of suspended time, where scenes or objects are crystallized by the declining sea level.
The ‘artefacts' are inspired by what I've personally found in my media consumption on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. These include:
Workstation setups, from dreamy tables and book setups in the Tuscan countryside to aesthetically manicured work-from-home arrangements. The places we work extend beyond walls and interior design; they often revolve around our screens, surfaces, and chairs.
Similar to viral memes, videos, products, people, or fashions, the iconic Mario Bellini Camaleonda sofa has experienced a resurgence in recent years in various interior projects and digital dreamscapes. Personally, I adore this timeless piece. Its name, 'Camaleonte' (Italian for chameleon), alludes to its ability to adapt to its surroundings, and 'onda' (Italian for wave) speaks to its modular attributes and ability to weave through a space. I found it fitting to give this iconic piece a crystallized treatment in suspended time.
A partially deteriorated Porsche 911 submerged and crystallized, symbolizing a design piece that transcends time. I felt it fitting to impose this interpretation.
Another piece resembling a sofa, but with organic and soft shapes, aligns with recent furniture and sofa design trends I've observed.
Inspired by the intriguing trend of AI-generated chairs influenced by unconventional sources. This unique creation marries design with the organic elegance of crystalline sea salt, offering a fresh perspective on the fusion of aesthetics and technology.
Crystallised in time forever at the Dead Sea. These iconic structures pay homage to the timeless 60's interior design trend that has resurfaced in the digital realm, evoking nostalgia and innovation simultaneously.
These are my renditions of scenes and design objects in a fictionalized time, where some current and not-so-current design objects have weathered with time, reflecting the signs of the times at the Dead Sea, including crystallized salt formations left by the receding sea level.