Farbod Nael | Farbod Nael

Farbod Nael was selected through the Open Call Self-taught Designer. A queer Iranian designer and self-taught ceramicist, he runs Farbod Ceramics from Maastricht, a ‘microbatch’ studio based on memory, community engagement and inclusive design. His practice combines ancestral knowledge with contemporary design, and focuses on cultural memory, material experimentation and decolonial criticism.

Nael discovered ceramics during a turning point in his life, as a neurodivergent person recently diagnosed with ADHD. Working with clay became a way for him to find peace and tell stories, drawing inspiration from Persian miniatures, calligraphy and traditional tiling techniques.

During the development year, Nael is delving into endangered ceramic practices such as Persian lustre-glazing techniques, under the guidance of professor Abbas Akbari. He is taking a masterclass at Tortus Studio in Denmark and making research visits to the Europees Keramisch Werkcentrum. In addition, he is working with coaches Ronja Terwindt and Dr Emilie Sitzia from Maastricht University. The year will result in a solo exhibition at Meldkamer Maastricht (autumn 2026) and an entry for the Limburg Biennale.