NOMINATIONS
AD 100 2025
Feeel Design World Prize 2025
AD 100 2025 Feeel Design World Prize 2025
ABOUT
Abdulrahman Al Muftah is an accomplished interdisciplinary artist, entrepreneur, and designer, dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and tradition through creative endeavors. With a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from Parsons School of Design in New York, a Master of Arts in Arts & Design Entrepreneurship from Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, and currently pursuing a PhD in Women's Studies at Hamad bin Khalifa University in Qatar, Abdulrahman brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his work.
Throughout his career, Abdulrahman has demonstrated a profound passion for traditional crafts and materials, particularly clay and limestone, which he incorporates into a diverse range of projects. As the founder of Allum and Al Wakrah Records, Abdulrahman is committed to promoting sustainability, culture preservation, and innovation in every aspect of his business ventures. From producing books, cosmetics, and vinyl records to crafting furniture and jewelry, each creation reflects his unwavering dedication to excellence and artistic vision.
In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Abdulrahman has served as a leader in graphic design and content generation for prominent destination management companies in Qatar. His ability to seamlessly blend tradition with modernity, coupled with his proficiency in website design and cutting-edge technologies, has made him a sought-after collaborator in marketing teams and among key stakeholders. Driven by a desire to stay at the forefront of design trends and engage with customers in meaningful ways, Abdulrahman continues to push boundaries and challenge conventions in the pursuit of creating immersive and culturally resonant experiences.
EXPERIANCE
Education
Master in Fine Arts, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, 2022
Bachelors in Fine Art, Parsons School of Design | The New School 2019
Work Experience
Program Specialist, Design Doha, Qatar Museums 2024
Design Specialist, Discover Qatar, Qatar Airways 2019 - 2024
PRESS
PRESS
ARTIST STATEMENT
Born and raised in the traditional fishing village of AlWakrah, Qatar, Abdulrahman discovered his design voice at age nine while creating objects for an imaginary city he played in with his relatives. Design became a means for him to bridge the gap between his rich heritage and his vision of contemporary possibilities.
Abdulrahman's work reimagines Qatari craft traditions through contemporary design, creating functional art that demonstrates the incredible possibilities of local land, materials, and cultural heritage. He is fascinated by the invisible patterns connecting materials to their cultural functions, the intangible histories embedded in everyday objects and lost rituals they once served.
Since breaking into the art and design scene in 2019 with his first exhibition at M7, Abdulrahman has used locally sourced, found materials and hand-building techniques to create dialogue between organic imperfection and contemporary precision. His practice seeks worldwide recognition for functional, aesthetically compelling designs that authentically capture Qatar's essence while challenging how craft evolves within modern contexts.
Residencies
Design Doha Moroccan Residency Program 2024
Heenat Salma Creative Research 2022