“FUNCTIONAL SCULPTURES

Jangir Maddadi’s career path is an example of how design can change a human’s life. Today he is a successful well-known Swedish designer with numerous prestigious awards, and there is demand for his works all over the world, but his early years were not very promising. Born in Kurdistan in 1979, he grew up in a refugee camp in Iraq, where he found comfort in painting from a young age. In 1993, his family migrated to Sweden. It was in Sweden that Jangir discovered the beauty of Scandinavian design and, fascinated by Alvar Aalto’s work, found his calling. He graduated in design from the Linnaeus University School of Design in Pukeberg and immediately founded JMDB - Jangir Maddadi Design Bureau. Just two years on, he was awarded the Arets Nybyggare prize by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden for his outstanding entrepreneurial work as an adopted citizen of Sweden, an award awarded to successful Swedish entrepreneurs of foreign origin. His first project finished in 2008 was a total success. The original Union Family seating furniture attracted attention with its organic shapes, durable material and the possibility of various combinations. It is demanded for both public and private interiors, and Columbia Pictures used them for the hit comedy Men in Black 3. The designer himself says his goal is to create ‘functional sculptures’ that delicately balance between form, function, and material. ‘I always strive to create unique pieces with dignity and significant meaning. I believe that design should be both functional and beautiful.’ Each product on his desk has its own story and identity. Everything is under control – from the initial idea to the coordination of the entire production process, including the production and photographs of the finished products. Everything is produced in southern Sweden, looking for sustainable materials in the vicinity. Another aspect of sustainability is Jangir Maddadi’s drive to create objects that will be passed down through generations, not only in quality, but also as design that is timeless”