MACHAS

Hand in Hand: A Fusion of Art, Architecture and Community

Kaz Shirane made his fourth appearance at the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival to reveal Hand in Hand, a captivating interactive sculpture designed in collaboration with US-based architect Diana Nee.

Nestled within the scenic surroundings of the Khorfakkan Amphitheater in the UAE, the installation seamlessly blends artistic expression with architectural ingenuity, serving as a testament to creativity, connectivity, and community engagement.

At its essence, Hand in Hand embodies the spirit of unity, beckoning individuals to come together, explore, and deeply connect with their environment meaningfully. Consisting of fifteen identical units intricately fused, the installation serves as a vibrant focal point, gracefully framing and enhancing the natural allure of its surroundings.

By day, the structure provides playful shelter from the sunlight, while by night, it metamorphoses into a radiant lantern, captivating observers with its mesmerizing glow. The design, adorned with locally-inspired geometric motifs etched into plywood panels and metallic mesh interiors, pays homage to the region’s rich cultural heritage, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation.

What sets Hand in Hand apart is its adaptability and scalability. Designed as a series of connected units, the structure can be disassembled and reconfigured into new, diverse iterations, each unique yet inherently connected to its predecessors. This inherent adaptability not only allows for endless creative possibilities but also fosters a sense of ownership and participation within the community, inviting individuals to contribute to the ongoing evolution of the project.

For Shirane and Nee, Hand in Hand represents more than just a temporary installation; it is a catalyst for change, a seed from which future collaborations and permutations will blossom.

See more of Kaz’s work here.