Exhibition held to mark the 8th anniversary of the start of activities

Artist and designer Catrinel Sabaciag will present her work for the first time in the Middle East at Dubai Index, stand 2D90, from May 27th to 29th. Known for creating sculptural pieces that blur the line between light and form, utility and contemplation, Sabaciag marks the first eight years of practice with a selection of works that trace her evolving language. Alongside key pieces from past collections, she will unveil new works including the In Bloom pendant lamp, a final piece from the Morfoza series, and the new Zenit lamp.

Aurora Frosted luminaire, part of the Onnda Collection
Photo credit: Radu Sălcudean

Aurora Matt, part of the Onnda Collection
Photo credit: Radu Sălcudean

Aurora Gloss luminaire, smart function
Photo credit: Oana Andreea Cristurean

Morfoza

Morfoza is the result of seven years of exploration into materials and optics. Crafted from aluminum and inox in Transylvania, this wall-mounted light sculpture uses a combination of humble materials, such as transparent plastic foams, foils, and crystals. While these elements may seem unassuming, when layered between optical filters inside the piece, they interact with light to reveal vibrant, shifting hues. Importantly, Morfoza uses no colored light—only pure white light. Through refraction and interference, colors unfold from within it, a quiet reminder that the full visible spectrum is already held within what appears neutral.

Morfoza table, organic filter
Photo credit: Ioana Săbăciag

Morfoza detail of organic filter
Photo credit: Ioana Săbăciag

Morfoza detail
Photo credit: Ioana Săbăciag

The viewer is invited to rotate the central frame, a gesture that subtly alters the light's intensity and color. This act of participation makes each encounter unique, transforming a static object into a responsive, engaging event. By reframing how we see everyday materials, Morfoza questions our assumptions about beauty and worth. Each piece is hand-finished and produced in a limited edition of eighty-eight.

Morfoza wall
Photo credit: Radu Sălcudean

Morfoza- stripes pattern filter
Photo credit: Radu Sălcudean

Morfoza, gradient filter
Photo credit: Radu Sălcudean

In recognition of its innovation and craftsmanship, Morfoza was awarded the LIT Design Award for Accent Decorative Lamps in 2024 and received the Transylvanian Design Award in 2023.

InBloom

Making its debut at Index Dubai, the InBloom pendant lamp is the newest piece in the Onda collection—an exploration of light, movement, and iridescence. Inspired by the gentle gesture of a flower opening, the piece holds a central light source nestled like a pistil between two dichroic glass disks. When illuminated, light travels in two directions: upward, it passes through dichroic glass disks, scattering shifting colors across the ceiling in a quiet, ever-changing blooming; downward, it offers a more focused, functional beam. The result is a lamp that balances atmosphere with clarity—both sculptural and purposeful, atmospheric and precise.

Zenit

Created specifically for the Index Dubai, the Zenit lamp draws inspiration from the natural landscape of the region, capturing the colors of the dunes and the warmth of the desert sun. This piece marks a first for Catrinel Sabaciag, incorporating only natural materials—onyx, brass, fused glass, and a unique crystal sourced from the heart of Transylvania. The onyx base, crafted into a triangle, sits parallel to the ground, with carefully slotted fused glass sheets that present several versions of gradient hues, reminiscent of sunsets in the Arabic territory. A brass disc anchors the opposite side, where the crystal allows light to pass through, creating a subtle, decorative glow. The Zenit lamp offers two lighting options: a focused beam from the central light, or a softer, ambient light that travels through the stone edge, creating a versatile piece that’s both functional and evocative.

Murmur

In addition to the individual pieces, Sabaciag will present a sample of a large-scale installation inspired by the murmuration of birds. This evocative piece, composed of many small dichroic elements, creates shifting reflections and colors as it interacts with the surrounding environment. Ideal for architectural settings, the installation can be customized to suit specific spaces, creating a dynamic and evolving effect. The Murmur installation invites contemplation, shifting like the movement of nature itself.

Catrinel Sabaciag

Catrinel Sabaciag is an artist and designer working at the intersection of art, design, and installation. After studying in Scotland and Sweden, Sabaciag returned to Romania to establish her design practice.

Catrinel’s notable achievements include participation in fairs such as Milano Design Week, Dutch Design Week, and Maison Objet Paris. She has won awards like LIT Design, the Silhouette Awards 2024, and the Transylvania Design Award 2023, and has been shortlisted for the Design Wanted Awards 2023 and Kunstpreis Deutschland 2021.