Esquire Middle East caught up with the masked creative director behind Kameh, the Dubai-based collectible design brand, about the philosophy and future of the brand.
Opting to keep creation and creator separate, Kameh’s creative director conceals their identity with a mask, which makes for a look that is both stylish and menacing.
So far the brand has dropped two collections, the range of pieces fuse a smooth industrial aesthetic with rough and jagged edges. We are seeing more and more studios and designers sprout and flourish in Dubai, Kameh started here but has grand ambitions with a goal of exposing the UAE-born brand to the rest of the world.
Read our interview with the creative director:
How do you find the right balance between function and aesthetics when it comes to furniture design?
I want people to use my objects daily; balancing art and functionality is necessary for that to be achievable. I need to make all of my pieces part of people’s lifestyles and life, so it’s not a choice to make them functional it’s a necessity. I live and experience my pieces daily in my own Kameh Space. That is how I find the balance that is just right.
In what ways does the privacy, or even mystery, afforded by the mask enhance – or simply impact – your work?
My privacy allows me to live my everyday life, create and be creative without people judging my look, age, nationality and sex. My pieces are self-sufficient; they are human alike, and I want people to connect with them rather than me. Therefore, I chose my pieces to be more recognized than my face.
In today’s fiercely competitive, busy world, privacy is an instinctive need and an elusive desirable luxury. Luxury is no longer defined only by rare materials and exquisite craftsmanship; privacy is today’s true essential scarcest luxury.
Are there any plans to branch into other fields of design, beyond furniture?
We are currently working on KAMEH Space. A full experience space, built architecturally as KAMEH. A multi-purpose living space that will have its own unique point of view. Something I always wanted to explore; stay tuned.
How did you land on the name Kameh? Is it a nod to where the person behind the mask is from?
No it does not. Kameh comes from the slavic word for stone. A natural element and inspiration in my work.
What is the most important piece of furniture in the home?
Table! When I was a child, we would spend a lot of time with my parents at the table where we would eat and discuss the day and plans. The table has this element of magic to attract people to come together, sit, eat, talk and enjoy life’s moments. A place of unity and connection.
What is the biggest inspiration for your work and design philosophy?
All my pieces mimic humans; they are all perfect on the surface but so damaged inside. This is where sculpture comes in. I wanted to show how damaged we all are inside, under the perfect facade, by our experiences in love, life and death.
How does Dubai, as a city, fit into your creative process?
Dubai has been a home for me for the past 12 years. It made me who i am today; without Dubai, I might not design, create and do what I love to do. It’s an essential part of my process of creativity; Dubai is a creative process for me.
Humanity and imperfection are thematic trends in your work, why did you feel a need to express those topics in the collections?
I looked at them, and I felt that my objects were like us, humans so perfect outside but so imperfect inside, and I find beauty in it, and I want people to accept and find beauty in other people’s imperfections because this is what makes people perfect.
What comes next for Kameh?
We just signed with Aybar Gallery in Miami to exclusively present KAMEH in the USA. Asia market is next! We want to bring our UAE-born brand to the rest of the world. The dream is to start a revolution in people’s homes and make them look and feel different.
Will you ever reveal what’s behind the mask?
It’s my second skin.
You can find more about the designer and shop the collections here.