Mina Abouzahra

Mina Abouzahra is a Dutch-Moroccan designer and furniture maker whose practice is rooted in the intersection of cultural heritage, material research, and social engagement. Born in the Netherlands to Moroccan parents, she operates between two cultural contexts, a dual perspective that fundamentally shapes her work. Her designs are characterized by a sensitive translation of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship into a contemporary design language.

Central to Abouzahra’s practice is her ongoing engagement with Moroccan weaving traditions. Through extensive research and close collaboration with artisans, she investigates the techniques, meanings, and cultural significance embedded within these practices. Her work reflects a deep respect for craftsmanship, while simultaneously exploring how these traditions can be recontextualized within a modern design framework.

Collaboration forms an essential part of her methodology. Abouzahra works closely with weaving cooperatives in rural Morocco, contributing to the visibility and recognition of female artisans and supporting more equitable working conditions. This approach situates her practice within a broader discourse on sustainability, one that extends beyond material use to include cultural preservation, fair production, and long-term social impact.

Since founding her studio in 2013, Abouzahra has developed a body of work that bridges design, textile art, and storytelling. Her pieces often highlight the tactile and structural qualities of woven materials, positioning textile not merely as surface, but as a fundamental element of form and construction. In doing so, she expands the role of textile within contemporary design, emphasizing its relevance as both medium and message.

A key project within her practice is The Soul Of A Rug, developed in collaboration with Noria Chaal and the weavers of Taznakht. This ongoing initiative explores the weaving traditions of the Amazigh people while addressing the socio-economic realities faced by artisan communities. Set to launch in 2025, the project includes a virtual reality installation alongside contemporary designs, creating an immersive environment that connects past and present. Through this work, Abouzahra raises critical questions about the future of traditional craftsmanship and its place within contemporary society.

Her practice reflects a broader commitment to redefining the relationship between design and craft-foregrounding process, authorship, and the often-overlooked labor behind handmade objects. By bridging cultures, disciplines, and generations, Abouzahra creates work that is both materially grounded and conceptually engaged.

Education

• Wood and Furniture College, Amsterdam
  Studied furniture design; during her final year she discovered Moroccan crafts through a work placement in Morocco

Collections

Works by Mina Abouzahra are held in:

• Central Museum, Utrecht
• TextielMuseum, Tilburg
• Jewish Historical Museum, Amsterdam
• Van Eesteren Museum, Amsterdam
• Wereldmuseum, Rotterdam
• COBRA Museum, Amstelveen
• Muiderslot, Muiden