Roham Shamekh Unveils the “Terminator” Collection during Frieze NY and NYC x Design

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (April 29, 2024)

Roham Shamekh, a leading figure among the current generation of innovative and progressive designers from the UAE, presents the “Terminator” capsule collection  at Tuleste Factory as part of its exhibition “Chromatic Stance,” which coinsides with Frieze NY and NYC x Design. 

The collection, characterized by its visually striking, silver-toned candelabras, addresses the pressing issue of climate change through its design and narrative. The pieces, resembling monumental flower candleholders with a jewel-like texture, embody Shamekh’s distinctive approach to challenging conventional design boundaries.

The OVO Man Chair is a central piece in the collection. Its metal structure symbolizes the interconnected roles of men and women in society, encapsulating the complexities of emerging identities and intersecting roles. This chair represents the historical struggle between opposing forces in civilizations—order versus chaos, tradition versus innovation—highlighting the ongoing quest for balance amidst these conflicts.

Positioned at the intersection of historical grandeur and modern environmental advocacy, the collection engages in a vital conversation about conservation and sustainability. It questions the legacy we leave for future generations, particularly Gen Z, in the context of our current ecological challenges. Shamekh’s work is a call to action, asking whether we are contributing to our own demise through inaction on climate change.

By employing masterful craftsmanship and forward-thinking design, Shamekh bridges the gap between the rich heritage of the past and the urgent need for sustainability in the future. The “Terminator” collection, with its apocalyptic yet beautiful aesthetic, serves as a powerful commentary on the potential for design to influence environmental consciousness and action.

The collection’s presentation at Tuleste Factory follows its  debut in Milan during the Milan Design Week 2024. “Chromatic Stance” will be on view through July 31st, 2024. Created and curated by Satu and Celeste Greenberg, The Factory is a quintessential New York multidisciplinary art and design destination featuring a rotating roster of some of the most avant-garde designers and artists of their time, showcasing furniture, design objects, photography, and fine art, with a focus on experiential design.

Daniel Quintanilla