Rumeysa Memis
About
Rümeysa Memiş is a furniture designer born and raised in Istanbul, Türkiye. Her work interprets traditional ways of making, connecting the accustomed with the unexpected or, practical with poetic. Instead of oftenly studied artistic skills, she aims to revive neglected women-made crafts for contemporary furniture practice. She believes furniture needs to be seen as a spiritual tool beyond providing a structural function. Although spiritual needs are not adequately discussed in a design practice in today’s understanding, she would like to offer spirituality in furniture design today by inviting us to listen to the stories of textile makers. It is a way of engaging with the past in order to impact the present and the future histories. While being between London and Istanbul, her design research connects different perceptions into a more cumulative understanding of furniture design.
Through the critical investigations towards ornaments and design histories, she aims to bring an interpretavist language on ornamental research. Her design research underlines the importance of process in the making while creating sample archives to be used for contemporary furniture practice. Through the lens of a female Turkish furniture designer, she cares to push the limits of traditional manufacturing to seek care and value in furniture design. With a focus to ornaments and women-made crafts, her research decolonises, de-orients the history of design by offering a more pluriversal and inclusive contemporary design practice. The research project titled as Each Traveling in an Orbit 21:33 is a transparent, hybrid and transformative invitation to listen to Others’ expertise in craft making.
Exhibitions
Workshop & Exhibition, London Craft Week, Yunus Emre Institute London, 13-19th May 2024
MRes Progress Show Curated by Jonathan Miles, Fragments for the Future, Hangar Gallery, Royal College of Art, London 23-24th April 2024
Materials Matter, London Design Festival, Bargehouse Gallery, London 20-23th September 2023
Ornament, Artwork for IGART Art Contest, Finalist of the Istanbul Airport Art Contest, 2022
Rehrev Studio Exhibition, A Look to the Art of Embroidery, Burhan Felek Mansion, 3-5th May 2019
Content Warning
The content on this website may contain themes and materials that some users find distressing or offensive. Further, the content on this website may not be suitable for individuals under the age of 18. User discretion is advised.
Any views and opinions expressed in this student profile represent the views and opinions of the student and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Royal College of Art or its employees or affiliates. The appearance of any views or opinions on this page do not constitute endorsement of those views by the Royal College of Art. This student profile has been made available for informational purposes only. The Royal College of Art does not make any representations or warranties with regard to the accuracy of any information provided in this student profile, nor does it warrant the performance, effectiveness or applicability of any listed or linked sites. The Royal College of Art is not responsible for the content submitted by any user, or for the defamatory, offensive or illegal conduct of any user. If you wish to report any errors or inappropriate material that may cause offence, please email feedback@rca.ac.uk