Art, nature and the human self infuse and realise KAMEH's sculptural furniture

Identity is often considered a lens through which we filter our perceptions. In the realm of design, this lens shapes how we experience objects, tying them to the persona behind the creations. However, when this identity is concealed, the focus shifts entirely to the work unveiling a raw, unbiased connection between the viewer and the object.

This aspect is duly embodied in the Dubai-based collectible design brand KAMEH's works, which merge craftsmanship and mystique into sculptural furniture designs. By prioritising privacy over personal recognition, KAMEH transforms design into a narrative where function intertwines with art, and anonymity becomes a powerful expression of creative freedom.

"I want my audience to focus on the work itself, feeling connected to the pieces, rather than being influenced by the face behind them, which I consider secondary," the masked furniture designer tells STIR.

Drawing from nature, art and the nuanced human spirit, the UAE-based designer and contemporary artist's hand-sculpted furniture embrace imperfection, offering a distinct contrast to the structured environments they often inhabit. From playful, bold features to brutalist, stoic forms, KAMEH (the Slavic moniker for stone) reflects a deep connection to natural elements.

"Different materials influence my designs and transform my creative process," explains the product designer, highlighting how raw materials such as wood, metal and cement shape the aesthetic and philosophy behind each creation.

The anonymous creative's oeuvre comprises a continuous series of "perfectly imperfect" industrial benches, stools, tables and chair designs featuring uneven, jagged edges. KAMEH's debut series, Drop 0.1 featured wooden sculptures wrapped in a crumpled white skin with layered materials symbolising the human body—a metal framework representing bones, foam at the core embodying emotions and a cement finish as protective armour—creating striking contrasts. Conversely, the Drop 0.2 collection titled Breaking the sand showcases the versatility in craftsmanship with earthy pieces carved in sand blocks mimicking the rough, exposed surfaces of desert dunes.

The next iterations in the series, Drop 0.3 and Drop 0.4, showcase the "rediscovery of the boundless world of childhood imagination," according to the project's official description. The minimalist metal pieces in rusted tones and pristine white respectively, are shaped by air circulation to represent the limitless possibilities of youthful wonder. KAMEH's functional art pieces "creates unpredictable, uncontrollable changes in the forms" to achieve monochromatic, playful product designs, as the creative mentions.

"I always try to break the perfection I create by introducing something imperfect and uncontrollable," KAMEH adds, introducing their latest series of five chairs at Collectible New York 2024. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences of emotional burnout and renewal, the sculptural art collection titled Drop 0.5 reflects a journey of transformation shaped by the healing power of nature. Hand-sculpted from ash wood and finished using the traditional Japanese technique of shou sugi ban (wood-burning), each charred piece embodies a raw, elemental beauty. Infused with the spirit of John Muir's words—"Into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul"—the collection captures the emotional weight of exhaustion and rejuvenation while underscoring the pressing environmental concerns amid global forest loss.

Reflecting on the physical and emotional challenges faced during the design and construction of the distinct furniture sets, the creative director of KAMEH narrates an experience of a deep, personal connection with the process. The act of creating and eventually parting with the sculptural designs mirrors personal growth for KAMEH, with each challenge serving as an opportunity for learning and evolution.

Exploring concepts of humanity, imperfection and the delicate balance between form and emotion, the designer draws inspiration from the idea that, like humans, objects can appear perfect on the outside while being imperfect within. This thematic undercurrent drives the ongoing contemporary design collections' emotional depth, encouraging viewers to embrace imperfections in both, life and design. Looking ahead, KAMEH is set to showcase the Drop 0.5 collection at the Editions Design Fair in Dubai, marking another significant milestone for the practice.