ALWAN QATAR
Alwan Qatar is an artisan project that aims at developing local and seasonal resources for natural dyeing in Qatar. Alwan is the word for colors in Arabic. It symbolizes the beautiful colors that can be obtained from nature. The project consists of three parts: recycling bio-waste which are rich dye sources; growing dyeing plants in Qatar; and exploring native flora to understand its color potential. The project as a whole seeks to foster a greater connection with our natural environment, develop our ecological literacy, and contribute to raise awareness about healthier and more sustainable consumption and design practices.
VALORISATION OF BIO-RESOURCES
Collecting food-dye material such as onion skins or pomegranate rinds and by-products of agriculture such as fava bean leaves to make beautiful, living colors is a great way to turn everyday waste into a resource.
GROWING DYE PLANTS
Growing plants to make colors for a natural dyer is a little bit like growing a garden for a chef. It sets the creative intention in the soil itself, and ensures seasonality, freshness and quality of the material. Making natural colors from scratch is much like cooking. The better the ingredients, the better the recipe!
FORAGING FOR PLANT DYES
The main objective of foraging from wild sources is to develop a better knowledge about availability, growth cycles and color potentials of the wild plants that grow in the Qatari natural environment.
RAISING AWARENESS
Making colors from plants is a sensory experience that connects us with purpose and beauty. It can change the way we care for and interact with our natural environment.
