Jordanian designer incorporates art, technology and science hybrids

AMMAN — Jordanian designer Hashem Joucka belongs to a new generation of creative artists whose research focuses on incorporating art, technology and science hybrids to create "sustainable and interactive environments”.

“Since the theme of the exhibition is about movement, I chose to exhibit my work under the title 'Ferromancy' — Animating the Inanimate. Electromagnetism surrounds us, it radiates from almost every electronic device we use in our daily lives,” Joucka said on the sidelines of the Amman Design Week (ADW) which concluded recently.

The idea behind his latest work is to be able to visualise the invisible energy by bringing it to life with a mixture of paints made of still yet responsive ferrous material using electromagnetic fields.

“I have combined different design techniques which include electronics design and production, physical computing and projection mapping to produce the installation, with the aim of raising awareness on the energy constantly surrounding us,” he continued.

The outcome could be applied into different mediums: as an educational tool to teach students about electromagnetism, as a source of inspiration for artists, graphic designers and architects through the patterns generated, or it could be simply used as a dynamic, mesmerising painting used as a tool to relax and meditate, he underlined

It is the second time Joucka participates in ADW. "Last year, the event was launching for the first time and I didn't know what to expect,” he said, adding that, thanks to the large turnout, he gained a lot of public exposure.

“This year, the event evolved radically: more people showed up, designers raised the bar, and we saw a much wider variety of activities and projects,” he noted.

For Joucka, ADW was a great opportunity to showcase his work and to get one on one feedback from people coming from different backgrounds and age groups, in addition to being an "excellent platform" to meet designers from different disciplines and interact with art-lovers.

“It also brings light to many manufacturers and artisans in town,” he stressed. 

Asked about his future plans, the designer said he will proceed with “making the best of the resources around him”, describing nature as his "eternal artistic inspiration".