Sizar Alexis

Profile:

Key points:

• Swedish-Iraqi designer born in Ankawa, Iraq.

• Moved to Sweden in 1997, settled in Eskilstuna.

• Holds bachelor’s degrees in Engineering (2009) and Fine Arts (2019) from Beckmans College of Design.

• Former design engineer at Volvo for 6 years.

• Launched his own design studio in 2019.

• Fuses Scandinavian minimalism with Mesopotamian cultural heritage.

Nationality: Swedish-Iraqi designer

Style: Brutalist and cross-cultural

Geometrical, brutalist, cross-cultural

Functional sculptures in raw materials

Combines serenity and strong character

Overview:

Studio Background: Founded in 2019

Sizar Alexis is a Swedish-Iraqi designer based in Eskilstuna. After working as a design engineer for six years, he shifted his career path to study fine arts at Beckmans College of Design. Upon graduation in 2019, he founded his own design studio where he explores the intersections of brutalism, Mesopotamian heritage, and Scandinavian minimalism. His studio produces functional, sculptural pieces that evoke serenity through geometric forms and raw materials.

Founders: Sizar Alexis

Approach, design philosophy: A sense of chaos and harmony at the same time

“I want to convey a sense of chaos and harmony at the same time.”. “Most of the inspiration comes from Brutalism’s monolithic and geometric traits.” (Source: ScandinavianMind)

Style: Brutalist forms and natural materials

Sculptural furniture combining brutalist forms with tactile, natural materials. Designs often appear both strong and serene, blending cultural narratives with minimalist form.

Main inspirations: The ancient Mesopotamian heritage

“As a Swedish-Iraqi designer, I identify … with the ancient Mesopotamian heritage.”. “I hope to inspire others to elevate their cultures artistically, to identify with [them] in a way that they can develop a stronger essentialist identity in today’s society.” (Source: Identity.ae)

“I want my furniture and objects to stand out, but still have a function and lend themselves to proper usage.” (Source: Typeo.se)

Identity and aesthetic: Raw textures

The identity and aesthetics of Sizar Alexis are characterized by raw textures, geometric brutalism, and cultural symbolism. His designs evoke a “serene and mystic feel,” transforming historical and personal narratives into objects of contemporary significance.

Values: Longevity, authenticity, and cultural storytelling

The studio values longevity, authenticity, and cultural storytelling. “I choose to work with natural materials that stand the test of time and look better with age. They have the ability to ground us deeper in our true nature.” (Source: Journal du Design)

Creative process

“The first step usually consists of allowing myself to express my idea of a certain form through many elaborate hand-drawn sketches.” “Then I use 3D software to experiment… and make the first 1-to-1-scale prototype.” (Source: Identity.ae)

Production and materials

Alexis frequently uses blackened steel, pine wood, and leather. “I opt to work with natural materials that are found in abundance in the Swedish landscape.” “The collection acknowledges the early Mesopotamian invention of metalworking and is also a nod to my current hometown Eskilstuna’s steel industry.” (Source: ScandinavianMind)

Production methods

Hand-assembled artisanal methods using components produced in his father’s metal tool factory. Designs feature “a symbiosis between craftsmanship and industrial production.”

Main categories

• Furniture

• Candle holders

• Decorative objects

Notable collections

• Pilier

• Girra

• Accessories Steel

• Ode

• ItooRaba

• Lahmu

• Ousia

Major projects

• Discovered exhibition (2021, London) - showcased Lahmu collection

• Common/un/common duo show (2022-2023, Atelier Ecru Gallery, Ghent) - featuring the Ousia collection

Recognition

The designer’s talent was recognized by Wallpaper magazine’s “Discovered” project and exhibitions at Design Museum in London.

Press/media quotes

• https://sizaralexis.se/press/

• https://scandinavianmind.com/sizar-alexis-merges-ancient-culture-and-scandinavian-functionality/

• https://identity.ae/sizar-alexis-sculptural-furniture-tells-the-story-of-iraqs-ancient-history/

• https://plainmagazine.com/sizar-alexis-furniture-design/

• https://www.journal-du-design.fr/design/les-sublimes-collections-dobjets-et-de-meubles-du-designer-sizar-alexis-134930/

Exhibitions

• Discovered, Design Museum London (2021)

• Common/un/common, Atelier Ecru Gallery, Ghent (2022-2023)

Headquarters and website

Eskilstuna, Sweden

https://sizaralexis.se/