Through handmade craftmanship, multimedia artist Faig Ahmed creatively explores the ornate patterns and traditional designs of Azerbaijan carpets. He draws upon the culture and artistic traditions of the country in order to produce his unique and contemporary sculptures. By directly manipulating the wool, Ahmed transforms iconic carpet designs into modern creations.

Israeli designer HIlla Shamia has found a way to mix “oil and water” or aluminum and wood – two materials I’ve never seen fused together. The product designer has created a novel way to meld both poured aluminum with irregular wood chunks to create modern tables and benches with a warm industrial feel. Old world and new world in one.

A model showcases designs by Denny Wirawan during the East Java Fashion Harmony show at Segara Wedi Batok Mount Bromo on December 03, 2022 in Probolinggo, Java, Indonesia. (Photo by Robertus Pudyanto/Getty Images)

Exhausted grave diggers rest in between funerals at a cemetery designated for Covid-19 victims in Bandung on June 15, 2021, as infection numbers soar in Indonesia. (Photo by Timur Matahari/AFP Photo)

A model presents a creation from designer Fahad Hussayn during a fashion show of Bridal Couture Week in Lahore, Pakistan, Friday, December 15, 2023. (Photo by K.M. Chaudary/AP Photo)

A model presents a creation by Kazakhstan's designer Naiyl Baikuchukov during Kazakhstan Fashion Week at National Academical Theater of Opera and Ballet in Almaty, Kazakhstan on April 11, 2018. (Photo by Shamil Zhumatov/Reuters)

Models prepare backstage before presenting creations of Belarussian designer Tatyana Efremova during the Belarus Fashion Week in Minsk, Belarus, 14 April 2018. (Photo by Tatyana Zenkovich/EPA/EFE)