Jaeger-LeCoultre Collaborates with Emirati Designer Khalid Shafar to Present Lunarily-Inspired Art Installation
In a noteworthy melding of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, luxury watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre has partnered with celebrated Emirati designer Khalid Shafar to unveil a captivating art installation titled “Crescent to Crescent.” This collaboration, part of the brand’s esteemed Made of Makers programme, draws cultural significance from the lunar cycle of Ramadan, emphasizing the intertwining of time, heritage, and artistry.
Jaeger-LeCoultre, often revered as the “Watchmaker of Watchmakers,” is well-known for its intricate horological expertise, steeped in a rich legacy dating back to its founding in 1833. The Made of Makers initiative serves as a platform for innovative synergies between the company and skilled artists from various domains. Through this collaboration, the brand not only promotes its own craftsmanship but also embraces regional artistry, illustrating the profound connection between time and cultural practices.
Khalid Shafar, renowned for his narrative-driven design philosophy, has conceptualized a thought-provoking installation that deftly articulates the passage of time as influenced by celestial phenomena. The piece, a tribute to the sacred month of Ramadan, reflects spirituality, introspection, and cultural significance, encapsulated within a grand visual narrative.
Measuring six meters in width and three meters in height, “Crescent to Crescent” features 29 meticulously crafted moons, each symbolizing a day in the lunar cycle. One side of the installation showcases a breathtaking gradient of colors, embodying the moon’s daily metamorphosis, while the opposing side offers an immersive spectacle of light, illustrating the phases of the moon in real-time. This duality not only enhances the visual allure but also serves as a reminder of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s rich tradition of horological artistry, with delicate engravings that echo the Maison’s famous guilloché technique.
In his reflections on the project, Khalid Shafar articulated his fascination with the moon as a powerful celestial body that has guided human life across cultures. “The moon influences tides and the natural order, marking the beginning of Ramadan with the sight of the new crescent. When Jaeger-LeCoultre invited me to create something meaningful in recognition of this sacred period, I aimed to capture the essence of time’s rhythm and La Grande Maison’s enduring fascination with celestial cycles,” he remarked.
The installation resonates deeply with the essence of Ramadan, a month characterized by fasting, prayer, and self-reflection, mirroring the philosophical aspects inherent in Jaeger-LeCoultre’s exquisite timepieces. The incorporation of astronomical cycles into the company’s creations is emblematic of its longstanding commitment to aligning timekeeping with celestial events.
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s CEO, Jérôme Lambert, emphasized the harmonious vision shared between his company and Shafar, stating, “At La Grande Maison, we honor the artistry of time—not merely through our timepieces but through creative partnerships that delve into its more profound significances. Khalid Shafar’s installation beautifully encapsulates this ethos, drawing from celestial rhythms that have inspired our craftsmanship for generations.”
As a pioneer of contemporary Emirati design, Shafar’s work often encapsulates clean lines and textural richness, bridging the aesthetic traditions of the past with the modern sensibilities of today. With “Crescent to Crescent,” he articulates a compelling narrative, bringing Emirati craftsmanship into the global dialogue of design.
Unveiled on February 28, 2025, at the Dubai Mall Grand Atrium, the installation will remain on display throughout Ramadan, inviting visitors to engage not merely as spectators but as active participants in the dialogue surrounding time, art, and cultural significance. Alongside the visual experience, guests are encouraged to enjoy celestial-inspired mocktails and explore Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Stellar Odyssey traveling collection, ensuring a holistic and immersive engagement with the exhibition.
Through the partnership with Khalid Shafar, Jaeger-LeCoultre underscores its dedication to artistic expression that transcends mere watchmaking. “Crescent to Crescent” serves as a poignant reminder of the multifaceted nature of time—its beauty, its passage, and its deep cultural significance. In doing so, the installation not only celebrates the essence of Ramadan but also offers a reimagined perspective on how we understand and appreciate time in an ever-evolving world.
As art, culture, and innovation converge, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s initiative provides a platform for exploration and reflection, a testament to the enduring legacy of both horological mastery and contemporary design.
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