Poetry Of Birds: L’ÉCOLE Middle East Unveils Its Exquisite New Exhibition
“The smallest motif can carry centuries of memory, emotion, and craftsmanship,” says curator Marie-Laure Cassius-Duranton
“Birds have long held a sacred place in the cultures of the Middle East – as symbols of freedom, renewal, and the human spirit. With ‘Poetry of Birds’, we wanted to honour that tradition while showcasing how these symbols echo across time and continents through art, poetry, and jewellery,” says, Marie-Laure Cassius-Duranton, Exhibition Curator, Gemologist and Art Historian, L’ÉCOLE Senior Exhibition Contents Project Manager.
Celebrating the timeless beauty of birds, L’ÉCOLE Middle East, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels will unveil the Poetry of Birds exhibition during Dubai Design Week. Following previous editions in Paris and Tokyo, the Dubai iteration pairs exceptional jewels, precious objects, and gouaché paintings from renowned jewellers, including Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Buccellati, Fabergé, and several others.
“We aim to create an immersive journey with jewellery, contemporary photography, poetry, music, and calligraphy, bringing together Middle Eastern heritage and Western craftsmanship through the shared language of symbolism, artistry, and storytelling. We hope to inspire meaningful encounters and to build a dynamic creative community in the region.” Says, Sophie Claudel, Director of L’ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts.
Complementing this artistry, Middle Eastern artworks will be on loan from the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and Dubai Museums, featuring carpets, ceramics, metal work, and miniatures. The contemporary photographer and Emirati artist, Faisal Al Rais, is set to make his public debut, showcasing the beauty and symbolism of birds worldwide.
Inspired by Farid al-Din Attar’s, The Conference of the Birds, this exhibition is designed as a poetic journey, starting with poetry from renowned poets in the region, followed by a bejewelled display of bird species, including falcons. And for the grand culmination, visitors will encounter an imaginative aviary of birds, crafted by French jeweller Pierre Sterlé.
Alongside the immersive display, an expansive series of talks, workshops, and cultural events will be hosted, exploring the history, science, and artistry of gemstones and jewellery. Proceeds from public courses and talks will be donated to Dubai Cares, supporting education programs for the youth, globally.
Poetry of Birds, is part of L’ÉCOLE’s international program, which also includes exhibitions in Paris, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.
“The exhibition brings together exceptional works of jewellery, Islamic art and poetry in a way that resonates deeply with the ethos of Dubai Design Week. By drawing on the knowledge of institutions, the creativity of artists and the craftsmanship of jewellers, it reveals how enduring symbols can transcend disciplines and cultures. L’ÉCOLE’s presence in Dubai has created a platform that fosters dialogue between heritage and contemporary practice; a contribution that meaningfully enriches this year’s program,” says Natasha Carella, Director of Dubai Design Week.
Doors open on November 6, 2025, during Dubai Design Week, at Dubai Design District (d3); with an open house day on November 8, featuring course demonstrations, children’s workshops, guided tours, and interactive activities, with the showcase running until April 25, 2026.
Imagery Supplied