Introducing the Cairo Residency, a collection designed by our first-ever resident, multidisciplinary artist Sean Brown.
Our story begins in Cairo, Egypt.
Rami Helali, Co-founder & CEO of Kotn, shares:
One of my favourite things in the world is seeing my home, through the eyes of my friends. Since starting Kotn, I’ve had the joy of hosting many people I love and admire. With every visit I get to see my home through a new perspective and fall more in love.
It’s never the pyramids, the sphinx, the temples, or the experiences that make Egypt historically admirable; it’s the beautifully mundane – what’s faded as background for me, is the most immersive to my friends.
Dusty car covers, made of striped cotton fabric, that cover the vehicles through sunny days into cool nights. Jasmine bushes, overflowing from private residences onto the bumpy Cairo sidewalks.
The same foole cart I’ve been going to my whole life, suddenly a canvas of sentimental calligraphy, and the focal point of my friend’s favourite trip photo.
It’s the Cairo I’ve seen a million times, that I’m reintroduced to, adding new chapters to this chaotically beautiful place I call home.
That’s why we’re introducing the Cairo Residency. An opportunity for our friends from creative crafts, to spend time with us in Egypt, and add their chapter.
For the first Cairo Residency, I had the pleasure of hosting my good friend, Sean.
Sean has a special way of taking the pedestrian of everyday life and making every moment novel and exciting with his creativity and vision. I know his talent, curiosity, and ability to connect with people across cultures will inspire a raw, new depiction of my home, of which I am eager to discover for the first time with all of you.
One of the most memorable parts of the Cairo Residency was having the opportunity to host a photography workshop with Sean and the students of one of the schools, funded and operated by the ABC’s Project by Kotn. Seeing the students discover a new world was a deeply meaningful reminder who it’s all for.
To Sean – thank you for your fearless curiosity and boundless talent, my friend. I can’t wait for the world to see the beauty of my home through your eyes.
100% of the proceeds from the collection will be donated towards the ABCs Project, our initiative to build schools and fund education in Egypt's farming communities.