November 5th, 2024

A Canadian-Lebanese Designer in Dubai Navigates Cultural Dualities, Redefining Middle Eastern Design for a Global Audience

Chafic Mekawi, a Canadian-Lebanese designer and digital artist based in Dubai, is carving a distinctive path in the global design landscape. Known for his ethereal yet rooted installations, Chafic’s cross-disciplinary approach draws on his architectural background and Middle Eastern heritage, influenced by formative years spent between Dubai and Beirut. His innovative work has attracted collaborations with major brands such as Cartier, merging modernity with cultural resonance through installations that champion the craft, architecture, and often-overlooked narratives of the region. In this interview, Chafic delves into the cultural dualities that shape his work, the impact of his multicultural background, and his vision for redefining Middle Eastern identity through art and design.

Your work seamlessly blends your architectural design background with your Middle Eastern roots. How do you navigate the intersection of modernity and tradition in your creations, and how has this duality shaped your artistic journey?

Navigating the balance between modernity and tradition lies at the heart of my creative process. My architectural background provides a solid foundation in structure, form, and function, while my Middle Eastern roots inspire a profound connection to heritage, craftsmanship, and storytelling. This duality has shaped my journey by allowing me to explore contrasts—finding harmony between the old and the new, the familiar and the innovative.

Dubai and Beirut, two cities with distinct yet complementary energies, have played pivotal roles in your life. How have these cultural environments influenced your creative process, and what does it mean to you to be a designer in this part of the world?

Both cities have profoundly impacted my creative process but in distinct ways. Beirut, with its rich history and layered culture, has taught me to value authenticity and craftsmanship. It’s a city where tradition runs deep, inspiring me to tell stories through my work. Dubai, by contrast, is a city of constant reinvention, where innovation is embraced at every turn. Its forward-thinking energy encourages me to push boundaries and experiment with new materials, tools, and processes.

Your installations, such as your collaboration with Cartier, exhibit an ethereal and avant-garde quality while remaining grounded in cultural significance. How do you approach the balance between innovation and honouring the heritage that informs your work?

When approaching a design, I always strive to pay tribute to my background and heritage whilst looking towards the future. As with most of my artworks, the process begins with a question. In ‘Carpet Court,’ it was: what if I merged different vernaculars from the Middle East with a tennis court? Growing up, these carpets were part of everyday life, representing a connection to home and cultural identity.

The Manama and Cartier collaboration emerged from an ongoing exploration of the architecture that defines the striking mountainous terrain of the UAE. Much like the Japanese Tea House or the Mongolian Yurt, we found the Manama to be an essential architectural vernacular across houses in the Gulf. These small architectural interventions collectively shape much of the region’s identity, creating a dialogue between past and present, allowing each to inform and elevate the other.

Your work champions overlooked narratives and cultures, weaving together a rich tapestry of influences. How do you identify these narratives, and what is the responsibility of an artist, especially one with your platform, in bringing these stories to light?

Ultimately, the role of an artist is to make sense of things. I’m drawn to stories and narratives that resonate on a deeper, personal level—especially those that have been overlooked or underrepresented. I find inspiration in the nuances of my own heritage and broader Middle Eastern and Arab cultures, and I prioritise listening to the voices of the communities and histories I engage with.

As artists, we have a responsibility to use our platforms to amplify these narratives, shedding light on cultures and perspectives that might otherwise go unnoticed. Art is a powerful tool for storytelling, and I view it as an opportunity to create work that not only inspires but also educates and bridges cultural divides.

As a Canadian-Lebanese designer living in Dubai, your multicultural experience must bring a unique perspective to the global art scene. How do you feel your identity shapes your work, and in what ways do you hope to influence the broader conversation on Middle Eastern art and design?

My multicultural identity allows me to see the world—and art—from a more layered perspective. Being Lebanese-Canadian and having grown up between Dubai and Beirut has given me the opportunity to merge influences from different cultures, which naturally shapes the way I approach design. It’s ultimately about making sense of our dynamic and multifaceted nature—whether that’s the craftsmanship from the Levant, storytelling narratives from my time abroad, or the heritage and innovation in Dubai.

I hope my work contributes to the broader conversation on Middle Eastern art and design by challenging perceptions and offering a fresh take on what it means to be a designer from this region. There’s immense depth and diversity here, and I aim to highlight that in my work—demonstrating that Middle Eastern design is not only about tradition but also about bold, innovative thinking.

What can we expect from your upcoming projects? Are there any new collaborations or installations that will further push the boundaries of your cross-disciplinary approach and continue to explore the fusion of architecture, culture, and art?

I am thrilled to announce that I am currently working on a bespoke furniture piece titled Nasab Bookcase, which will be exhibited during Dubai Design Week 2024 as part of Downtown Design. The design challenges the concept of a traditional bookcase by transforming print into a lively and curated archive of knowledge, celebrating Levantine heritage and local Emirati craftsmanship. A key feature of the design is the interactive and modular wooden bookcases, seamlessly integrating wood textures with the books on display.

I am also involved in exciting collaborations with brands that share my passion for merging heritage with innovation. You can expect significant experimentation with materials, new technologies, and a continued focus on creating immersive experiences that explore the synthesis of architecture, culture, and technology within the region.

What is style to you?

Style, to me, is an expression of identity and values. It’s not merely about aesthetics; it’s a language that communicates who you are and what you stand for. Whether in design, fashion, or art, style should feel authentic and purposeful. It’s less about following trends and more about staying true to your vision while allowing for evolution and experimentation.

Less is more or more is more?

It depends on the context. I appreciate the elegance of “less is more” in crafting clean, thoughtful designs, but there are instances when “more is more” allows for richer storytelling and layered complexity. It’s all about finding balance—knowing when to embrace simplicity and when to celebrate abundance.

What is authenticity to you?

Authenticity, for me, is about staying true to your vision, roots, and voice. It involves creating work that genuinely reflects who you are and what you believe in, rather than conforming to external expectations. Authenticity means having the courage to explore your own narrative and express it honestly, regardless of trends or pressures.