Mina Abouzahra

Mina Abouzahra

Mina Abouzahra (*Netherlands) is a Dutch-Moroccan designer and furniture maker celebrated for her ability to fuse Moroccan crafts-womanship with contemporary Dutch design. Born to Moroccan immigrants, she grew up between two cultures, a duality that profoundly shapes her work. Abouzahra is deeply passionate about the age-old skills of Moroccan weaving, a craft she has meticulously studied through in-depth research into its rich traditions and techniques. Her dedication extends to empowering rural Moroccan female artisans, collaborating with weaving cooperatives to ensure they receive fair compensation and recognition for their remarkable skills.

Since founding her design studio in 2013, Abouzahra has prioritized collaboration and ethical practices, bringing the spirit and magic of traditional Moroccan crafts into a contemporary design context. Her innovative approach to weaving is internationally recognized, showcasing how weaving traditions can be transformed and celebrated in modern design.

In 2023, Abouzahra completed a transformative year-long residency at a women’s weaving cooperative in South Morocco, where she developed a new collection in collaboration with prominent designers like Edith van Berkel and Bertjan Pot. This project highlights her commitment to celebrating craftsmanship and pushing the boundaries of traditional techniques within the global design landscape.

Education

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

Collections

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

Exhibitions

Mina Abouzahra’s work has been featured in several exhibitions across prestigious Dutch institutions. Her upcoming exhibitions will include works at Het Nieuwe Instituut and Amsterdam Museum.​