IVAN: The Reconstruction of Narcissism

IVAN: The Reconstruction of Narcissism, a debut composition by POWERHOUSE, explores the notion of using architecture and design as a vehicle for self-transformation by holding the design philosophy : “We are products of our products, therefore our products must reflect and encourage our own self development.” Rather than taking the approach from a conventional design perspective, POWERHOUSE brings artistic motivations to the fore, thus reconstituting the traditional role of the viewer from audience member to user.

Narcissism, as it is defined today, is a surrounded by a stigma of shallow self-obsession, discouraging true objective introspection. However, in their retelling of The Myth of Narcissus, POWERHOUSE imparts new potentiality on the ‘narcissistic condition’, expanding it to a state of revelation rather than one of self-infatuation. In this re-imagined, revelatory state, the water reflects a transcendent and transformed Narcissus, one free from external and internal compunction. This reconstruction presents narcissism as the acme of the human experience and as a product of complexity, rather than superficiality and obsession.

Each of the pieces encourage a stage of development through their individual characteristics, from form to function. The pieces Dither and Mull embolden the reconstructive process of narcissism, facilitating the users potential to develop. Adamantine and N+ stimulate the final stages of reconstruction, assisting the user’s culmination in this evolutionary process. The central piece of the environment, Ivan, serves as a division, or barrier of consciousness, by separating the pieces; urging the user to advance and progress. Together, the pieces serve to vitalize, and ease the user through the stages of this reconstructed narcissism.

The environment created is magnified by the implementation and focus on texture, specifically of those materials re-examined from the Kuwaiti industrial market. POWERHOUSE reintroduces outdated materials, which are the majority of what is currently available in this market, to create a hyper modern aesthetic while maintaining the practicality of function. Echo, an encompassing soundscape by Chicago’s The-Drum, completes the environment of IVAN – an experience which beseeches the viewer to seize the opportunity to reflect, to reverberate within one’s own interior long enough so that eventually, the deep, muddled desire to reconstruct our own reality grows as clear as our mirrored image.

POWERHOUSE is a composition initiative.

Nanu Al-Hamad (Al-Hamad Design) Kuwait / New York

Max Ketant (MEGA.DOPE.POP) Haiti / New York

Nanu Al-Hamad

Nanu Al-Hamad is an award-winning industrial designer and artist.  His work as founder and Director of Design of the Al-Hamad Design Studio, a design firm focusing on high-end furniture, lighting, object design, and custom made pieces, is shaping a new movement in design.  He was awarded the 2012 A’ Design Award in Furniture for his modular Gibbous chair and ottoman.  Working between west and east, Al-Hamad has shown work in Kuwait and New York. Additionally, Al-Hamad is a member of the arab gulf GCC art collective, who are showed this past fall at Kunsthalle Fridericianum in Kassel, Germany, Sultan Gallery in Kuwait, Project Native Informant in London, and Gallery Kraupa-Tuskany Zeidler in Berlin.

Max Ketant

Max Ketant is a New York based conceptual designer and creative director fusing elements of magic realism, mythology and graphic design. His work through MEGA.DOPE.POP. focuses on the use of fantasy narrative to resolve the contradiction between dream and reality. His most recent show SVN: Hi Fi created a new discourse in the art experience where he reimagined a living space as a movie set where in which viewers became active participants in the exhibition. With his iconographic art house MEGA.DOPE.POP. he intends to translate quantum mechanics into an aesthetic media that will create a global discussion on contemporary mythology through the use of design.

Graphic Design Teaching Position

Graphic Design (Position Code No. 13-101): Rank open; Successful candidates will teach Graphic Design courses at all levels in an expanding undergraduate degree (BA) program; contribute in area of specialization; advise students. The ideal candidate is well versed in graphic design theory and application, industry standards, and traditional and digital media. Degree Requirement: Terminal Graduate degree in Graphic Design (M.F.A. or above).

Application Instructions:


Application packages are to be submitted electronically to faculty@auk.edu.kw (attachments must not exceed 10 MB per e-mail). The package should contain the following:

1) Cover letter, detailing the candidate’s specific interest in AUK, and how the candidate’s past experience provides a suitable basis for performance in the position for which they are applying;
2) A current CV;
3) Statement on research and service and statement of teaching methodology, including curricular development that the individual has initiated and executed;
4.) Copies of teaching evaluations if available; and supervisor evaluations (as available).
5) The names and addresses, both electronic and postal, of three referees.
6) 10-20 digital examples of personal work and 10-20 examples of student work;

In completing your application, please quote position code number.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. For full consideration, applications should be reviewed by December 1, 2013.

Visit the AUK website (www.auk.edu.kw) to learn about the degree programs, university facilities, and campus life.

American University of Kuwait
Faculty Openings AY2014-2015

The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is a private university in Kuwait organized on the U.S. model of undergraduate liberal arts education. The medium of instruction is English. The University is accredited by the Council for Private Universities of the Kuwait Ministry of Higher Education. AUK also has a Memorandum of Understanding with Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH.  AUK admitted its first students in September 2004 and currently has approximately 2,000 students and over 120 UG faculty members. 

The University is seeking terminally qualified faculty committed to excellence in teaching, scholarly research, and service.  American education or teaching experience is preferred as is evidence of research activity. Outstanding communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and effective use of classroom media and technology are expected.  Faculty rank will be determined by the candidate’s degree and previous employment history. Successful candidates will teach undergraduate classes to majors and non-majors of diverse cultural backgrounds, participate in student advising, honor office hours, and serve on faculty committees.

AUK offers competitive compensation, as well as an attractive and comprehensive benefits package, up to a maximum of 50% of annual base salary. There is no personal income tax, and US citizens may be eligible to take advantage of the IRS foreign tax exclusion.  AUK is an equal opportunity employer, fully committed to becoming a model university of the twenty-first century in the region.

Contracts are normally issued for 2 or 3 years and are renewable. Visiting appointments may be available. The screening of applications will begin immediately. U.S. interviews will be held in Washington, DC.

AUK Exhibition opens May 20, 6-8pm

You are all cordially invited to attend the reception for our 2013 Graphic Design Capstone Exhibition. Please see our poster below. The exhibitions, representing the largest number of Capstone exhibitors we have ever had in one exhibition, will fill both the Auditorium and the Multipurpose Room. The reception is next Monday evening, the 20th of May, from 6 to 8 pm, beginning with a ribbon-cutting in the Auditorium, then a ribbon-cutting at the Multipurpose Room.  The exhibition will be open to the public from May 21-23, from 10 am to 7 pm. 

Fall Capstone Exhibition at AUK opens Sunday, January 13, 7-9pm

The AUK ART/GDES Department cordially invites you to the Fall Capstone Exhibition. 

Please join us for the reception Sunday, January 13, 7-9 pm at the Multipurpose Room. The exhibition will be open to AUK on Sunday and open to the public Monday through Wednesday.

Please see the attached poster for further information.

Faculty Recruitment for 2 Positions in Graphic Design (please share widely!)

2012-2013 Second Cycle GDES Faculty Advertisement

The Abbreviated Version:

Two Positions open for Assistant Professor of Graphic Design (Position Code No. 12-201-AUKWEB05): Successful candidates will teach Graphic Design core and foundation courses at all levels in an expanding undergraduate degree (BA) program; Contribute in area of specialization; serve with colleagues as academic advisors to Graphic Design majors. Degree Requirement: Terminal Graduate degree in Graphic Design (M.F.A. or above).

For full consideration, applications should be reviewed by January 20, 2013. Visit the AUK website (http://www.auk.edu.kw/careers/careers_faculty_positions.jsp) for information about the university and applications.

The Full Ad for Publications:

Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, American University of Kuwait

Two (2) Full-Time Positions

Description: Teach Graphic Design core and foundation courses at all levels in an expanding undergraduate degree (BA) program; contribute in area of specialization; serve with colleagues as academic advisors to Graphic Design majors.

Candidate must be flexible, energetic, and comfortable teaching in a multi-cultural environment. Must enjoy working as an integral part of a growing team of professors. Should be currently involved in own research. Service to the department and university at large is expected.

Credentials: Candidates must have a (terminal) graduate degree in Graphic Design (M.F.A. or above), teaching experience, and a demonstrated record of professional design practice (publications, exhibitions, and/or equivalent professional practice).

Application: For full consideration, applications should be reviewed by January 20, 2013.

Visit the AUK website (http://www.auk.edu.kw/careers/careers_faculty_positions.jsp) for information about the university and applications. Submit Completed application form, Curriculum Vitae; 10-20 digital examples of personal work; 10-20 examples of student work; supervisor evaluations (as available); student evaluations (as available); three letters of reference with email and telephone numbers.

Job Opening: Assistant Professor of Graphic Design Position at AUK

Here is the link on the AUK website:

http://www.auk.edu.kw/careers/careers_faculty_positions.jsp

and in the CAA website:

http://careercenter.collegeart.org/jobs/4623984

and the text:

Graphic Design Program

Graphic Design (Position Code No. 11-201- AUKWEB12): The Graphic Design Program at AUK, Division of Arts and Humanities is seeking candidates for full time Assistant Professor of Graphic Design positions to begin August 2012. The successful candidates will be expected to teach graphic design core and foundation courses at all levels in a developing undergraduate BA degree program. They will also be expected to contribute in their area of specialization in one or more of the following areas: digital media, graphic design history and/or photography. Candidates should be comfortable teaching undergraduates in a multi-cultural context with a focus in foundations. Other responsibilities include: engage in research, serve as an academic advisor to Graphic Design majors, contribute to curriculum and program assessment and development. Candidates must have a graduate degree in graphic design (MFA), teaching experience as well as a demonstrated record of professional design practice recognized through publications, exhibitions or equivalent. Interested candidates should submit a completed application as stated above in addition to 10-20 examples of personal work and 10-20 examples of student work.

Application Instructions:

Application packages are to be submitted electronically to faculty@auk.edu.kw (attachments must not exceed 10 MB per e-mail). The package should contain the following:

1) Cover letter, detailing the candidate's specific interest in AUK, and how the candidate's past experience provides a suitable basis for performance in the position for which they are applying;
2) A current CV;
3) Statement on research and service and statement of teaching methodology, including curricular development that the individual has initiated and executed;
4.) Copies of teaching evaluations;
5) The names and addresses, both electronic and postal, of three referees;
6) Two recent publications /two writing samples;

(For large items such as books, please send hardcopies to the Academic Dean's Office)
Academic Dean's Office,
American University of Kuwait,
Salem Al Mubarak Street,
Opposite Salmiya Palace Hotel,
Salmiya, Kuwait ).

In completing your application, please quote position code number. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The deadline for receiving applications is February 1, 2012. 

see this show before it ends January 18th!

I am not in Kuwait right now but have heard great things about this exhibit and hope to see it before it closes January 18th!

Confashions from Kuwait: Furniture is the Servant of Fantasy

www.confashionsfromkuwait.com

a natural solution for pests and fertilizer?

This seems like such a natural solution to so many problems, not sure why this is not used more (I can only speculate that pesticide and chemical fertilizer companies have something to do it).  I have heard about this practice being successfully used in China too, but the below link is about rice farmers in the Philippines that have found an ally as they try to protect their crops from pests and the effects of global warming. Farmers use ducks to help keep the water in their paddies fresh, and to get rid of weeds and other pests that could damage their crops. Duck manure also works as a good organic fertilizer, which helps to decrease the amount of money farmers spend on harmful pesticides.

Feathered labour for Philippines rice farmers

www.aljazeera.com

Integrated rice-duck farming has helped farmers to spend less money on harmful pesticides.

A lot of GOOD NEWS from the Middle East!

A lot of GOOD NEWS (all we usually hear is the bad) from the Middle East being posted on en.v :

Arabian Oryx Back From Brink of Extinction

www.envearth.com

Forty years ago the Arabian Oryx was extinct in the wild. Today this large antelope, native to the Arabian Peninsula, is back from the brink with 1,000 animals across five Middle Eastern countries, thanks to a breeding program and series of re-introductions. It is an unprecedented conservation succe...

Young Start-Ups Shaping Egypt's Future

www.envearth.com

Despite the tough conditions, many young entrepreneurs are taking advantage of the new-found optimism to start businesses and help build their country's economic future. Cairo's notorious traffic inspired Mostafa Elbeltagy and four friends, all aged between 23 and 30, to start Bey2ollak, a smartphones...

Nature Reserve in Jordan Is Growing Organic

www.envearth.com

A farm in the Mujib Biosphere Reserve has started producing organic crops and herbs with the aim of providing a model that encourages water-efficient techniques and the use of chemical-free fertilisers in agriculture. Spread over 10 dunums, the model farm is cultivating medicinal herbs and vegetable...

Qatar to Build Environment-Friendly Mosques

www.envearth.com

Qatar's new mosques will be built according to environment friendly models, a special committee appointed to review designs of the religious buildings has said. The panel formed to review designs of all mosques in the country is studying 18 model designs to select the most appropriate to meet the re...

From The Farm to Your Table

www.envearth.com

Come September 17 you will be able to get a wide range of organic fruit and vegetables, all grown locally, at the click of a mouse or at a weekly farmers' market. Making this possible is a Dubai company called RIPE which will supply fresh produce at various points, including twice weekly at farmers ...

Qatar to Invest In 1,400 New Local Farms

www.envearth.com

More signs that the Gulf States are slowly recognizing the importance of food sustainability. Qatar has announced plans to establish 1,400 farms to improve its food production and also train more people to work in the agricultural sector to improve productivity. Existing farms were working at only ...

and more:  http://www.envearth.com/index.php

About en.v:
Through a multi-faceted approach, The en.v Initiative seeks to further and support the research and development of individuals and organizations in the fields of education, health, environment, economics, business, culture, human rights, etc. Furthermore, The en.v Initiative attempts to employ an innovative attitude and methodology that will communicate itself to all sections of society without bias to age, gender, ethnicity, race, or nationality.

We ultimately hope to nurture the development of a new kind of citizen in the Arab world – one who is alert, aware and conscious of the effects his or her decisions and actions have on society at large and on the environment as a whole.
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