Hozan’s design practice is a profound celebration of heritage, where materiality meets meaning in a harmonious dialogue between tradition and modernity. His creations speak a rich, multidisciplinary language that bridges ancient craftsmanship with contemporary design.
Each piece is more than an object-it is a story, a conversation between the echoes of the past and the rhythm of the present. Infused with reverence for language, ritual, and culture, Hozan’s work transforms silence into connection, offering moments of reflection and unity in an often fragmented world. As he expresses it, “To restore silence is the role of objects.”
At the heart of Hozan’s work lies his deeply personal journey, marked by a rich cultural heritage and the scars of a life shaped by war and displacement. Born in Kirkuk, grew up between Erbil & Baghdad, Hozan experienced the profound upheaval of leaving his homeland at just fifteen. These early years of dislocation and searching were formative, not just in his craft but in shaping his unique ability to adapt to new environments and connect deeply with different cultures and disciplines.
Hozan’s creative journey began in unlikely circumstances, almost by accident-or perhaps by faith. Using his hands to shape metal, he discovered a design language that came not from formal exposure to art but from his innate ability to see beauty and possibility where others might see only raw material. This resilience and creativity eventually led him to the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam and the Design Academy Eindhoven, where he refined his vision and developed a distinct artistic voice that blends heritage with innovation.
Yet, despite his accomplishments, Hozan has always felt the tension of not entirely fitting in. His work, much like his life, resists easy categorization. Designer, artist, sculptor-none of these titles fully encompass his practice, which exists in the liminal space between disciplines. This refusal to be confined is both a challenge and a strength, allowing him to transcend boundaries and create work that is as multifaceted as his own experiences.
Whether crafting objects inspired by his Kurdish roots or immersing himself in the meticulous disciplines of Japan during his Echizen project, Hozan demonstrates an unparalleled capacity to adapt, collaborate, and serve the context in which he works. His latest Kami project is a prime example of this ethos: a harmonious fusion of research, respect for traditional Japanese craft, and his own distinctive vision.
Through his work, Hozan transforms not only materials but also perspectives. He reshapes fragments of pain into symbols of resilience, and memories of displacement into objects that invite connection and healing. His creations transcend boundaries, offering a lens through which to see the world-and ourselves-with greater clarity, empathy, and hope.
Written by Niloufar Ashtiani
Quote by Samuel Beckett