Interview about Beautiful Darkness Eyewear, winner of the A' Eyewear Design Award 2023
These eyewear are inspired by Iranian motifs and the purpose of its design is a gift for those who look at the world with only one eye. Many of them have lost it during their lives in line with their dreams, ideologies, freedom of humanity, standing against oppression, etc., and these beautiful patterns putted on them so that they know their true beauty. In fact, the main inspiration were these people. In terms of production technology, this work has a simple structure that can be made easily only with modern technology, and golden metal and brown glass are used in it.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe fusion of authentic Iranian motifs in the "Beautiful Darkness" design is an artistic attempt to redefine the concept of beauty for those who view the world through a different lens. These motifs, symbolizing the richness and authenticity of our culture, are used here not to conceal, but to adorn and honor. This design serves as a reminder to individuals who have faced significant life challenges that their unique perspective on existence is valuable. We wanted to use the language of art to show that true beauty lies in inner strength and embracing differences; these patterns are a delicate reflection of that very beauty, now shining upon their visage.
The choice of these specific Iranian motifs aimed to create a bridge between our rich artistic tradition and modern design. These intricate and delicate interlaced patterns, often seen in our ancient architecture and handicrafts, symbolize perfection, balance, and timeless beauty. By applying these motifs to a part of the eyewear typically used for covering, we challenge the traditional concept of "hiding a flaw." These delicate metalworks attract the viewer's gaze rather than deflecting it, conveying a clear message: even in darkness or absence, stunning beauty can be found. These patterns shift the viewer's perception, evoking admiration for a work of art rather than a sense of pity.
Receiving the A' Design Award is a valuable international validation that gives global reach to our message. This recognition helps us demonstrate that design can operate beyond mere aesthetics and serve as a powerful tool for human empowerment. This award supports our mission to more effectively promote the idea that an assistive device can be a piece of high art. When such a design is acclaimed globally, it instills a greater sense of pride and confidence in those who wear it, showing society that their resilience and unique beauty should be viewed with admiration rather than pity.
These specific dimensions were carefully calculated to strike a balance between "coverage" and "aesthetics." The 50mm frame diameter provides ample canvas to showcase the intricate, interlaced details of the Iranian motifs, while being a standard size that sits beautifully on most face shapes and comfortably and completely covers the eye area. The 135mm handle length is a standard ergonomic size that ensures a secure fit on the face. This stability is particularly vital for this design, as it must maintain the balance of a frame that naturally carries different visual (and physical) weight on the side featuring the metalwork compared to the other.
The work began with simple hand sketches inspired by the traditional architecture and art of my hometown, Isfahan. My studies in handicrafts and jewelry design helped guide me in finding a way to bring these ideas to life. My approach to this project was more akin to crafting a piece of jewelry than merely designing eyewear. Experience working with metal gave me a better understanding of how to translate those delicate two-dimensional patterns into a wearable three-dimensional form. Essentially, I tried to use what I had learned to create a proper balance between the delicacy of traditional art and the functionality of a modern product.
This choice of materials directly reflects the name and concept of the piece, "Beautiful Darkness." The smokey glass symbolizes that part of vision or the world that has faded into darkness or ambiguity; a calm acceptance of absence. In contrast, the golden metal, with its inherent shine and warmth, represents hope, value, and the light that emerges from within this darkness. When this golden metal, in the form of authentic motifs, sits upon the smokey background, it conveys a clear message: even where light has dimmed, stunning value and beauty can be created. This contrast is a metaphor for the resilience of the human spirit, which can shine even in the most difficult circumstances.
In talking with these individuals, I discovered a shared sentiment: many were dissatisfied with existing devices that merely tried to "hide" the flaw, as these devices often attracted negative attention themselves. They wanted something that would give them a sense of pride rather than shame. This deep understanding shifted the design direction. We decided to focus on "adorning" rather than concealing. Functionally, we ensured the eyewear form provided complete physical comfort, but aesthetically, we acted boldly to create an item that one would wear with confidence, not as a medical necessity, but as a part of their personal style and expression of identity.
Although the appearance of the work is highly detailed and resembles fine handicrafts, its structure is designed to be manufacturable using modern technologies such as precise laser cutting or 3D metal printing. This use of modern technology offers two major advantages: first, it reduces production time and costs compared to purely traditional manual methods, making the product accessible to a wider audience. Second, the precision of these machines ensures that the delicacy and complexity of the original motifs are maintained with high quality in every produced piece, allowing us to have mass production without compromising any of the artistic value or design details.
Growing up in Isfahan is like living in a living museum. In the city's architecture, no detail is purely decorative or purely functional; everything is intertwined. A beautiful tiling is simultaneously a moisture barrier and a narrator of a cultural story. This philosophy is deeply rooted in my subconscious. When designing "Beautiful Darkness," it was natural for me to seek a way to view functionality (covering the eye) and beauty (traditional motifs) not as separate elements, but as a unified whole. Isfahan taught me that even the most utilitarian objects can and should carry the deepest cultural and aesthetic meanings.
The philosophy of "Beautiful Darkness" is just a beginning for me; the idea that "difference" can be a source of "beauty." In the future, I plan to expand this approach to other aspects of wearable design and jewelry. My focus will be on creating works that not only meet individuals' specific needs but also tell their unique stories. I want to use the rich language of Iranian art combined with modern design to create collections where each piece is a celebration of human diversity and a reminder that every scar or difference can be a foundation for the growth of a new and stunning beauty.
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