The Cairo Residency

La résidence du Caire

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.

Notre histoire commence au Caire, en Égypte.

Rami Helali, cofondateur et PDG de Kotn, partage son avis:

L'une des choses que je préfère au monde est de voir ma maison à travers les yeux de mes amis. Depuis que j'ai créé Kotn, j'ai eu la joie d'accueillir de nombreuses personnes que j'aime et que j'admire. À chaque visite, je vois ma maison sous un nouvel angle et j'en tombe encore plus amoureuse.

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.

Ce ne sont jamais les pyramides, le sphinx, les temples ou les expériences qui rendent l'Égypte historiquement admirable ; c'est ce qui est magnifiquement banal - ce qui est effacé comme arrière-plan pour moi, est le plus immersif pour mes amis.

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.

Des housses de voiture poussiéreuses, faites de tissu de coton rayé, qui couvrent les véhicules pendant les journées ensoleillées et les nuits fraîches. Les buissons de jasmin, qui débordent des résidences privées sur les trottoirs cahoteux du Caire.

Le même chariot de foole que j'ai fréquenté toute ma vie, soudain devenu une toile de calligraphie sentimentale et le point focal de la photo de voyage préférée de mon ami.

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.


C'est le Caire que j'ai vu un million de fois, que je découvre, ajoutant de nouveaux chapitres à cet endroit chaotiquement beau que j'appelle chez moi.

C'est pourquoi nous introduisons la résidence du Caire. Une occasion pour nos amis de l'artisanat créatif de passer du temps avec nous en Égypte et d'ajouter leur chapitre.

Pour la première résidence au Caire, j'ai eu le plaisir d'accueillir mon bon ami 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.


Sean a une façon particulière de prendre le piéton de la vie quotidienne et de rendre chaque moment nouveau et excitant grâce à sa créativité et à sa vision. C'est pourquoi j'ai choisi de ne pas présenter son travail en avant-première avant la création de ce livre, car je sais que son talent, sa curiosité et sa capacité à établir des liens avec des personnes de différentes cultures inspireront une nouvelle représentation brute de ma maison, que j'ai hâte de découvrir pour la première fois avec vous tous.

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.


L'un des moments les plus mémorables de la résidence du Caire a été l'occasion d'organiser un atelier de photographie avec Sean et les élèves de l'une des écoles financées et gérées par le projet ABC de Kotn. Voir les élèves découvrir un nouveau monde a été un rappel très significatif de la raison d'être de ce projet.

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.


À Sean - merci pour ta curiosité intrépide et ton talent sans limite, mon ami. J'ai hâte que le monde entier découvre la beauté de ma maison à travers tes yeux.

100% of the proceeds from the collection will be donated towards the 

, our initiative to build schools and fund education in Egypt's farming communities.

100 % des recettes de la collection seront reversées au 

, notre initiative visant à construire des écoles et à financer l'éducation dans les communautés agricoles d'Égypte.

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Defying common dirty denim practices used in the industry today, the Antifit are a rebellion. No sulfur dyeing, acid, or sandblasting – just responsible power washing and certified safe indigo dyeing.

Matt is 5’11” and wearing a 30/32 in the Dark Wash.

Matt mesure 5'11" et porte un 30/32 en Dark Wash.

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Lasting Ways: Hannah Traore



The Gallery holds a commitment to advocating for and celebrating artists who have historically been marginalized in the mainstream narrative. These talented individuals, whether they have been underrepresented, overlooked, or exploited, possess extraordinary visions that deserve to be shared with the world. I am driven by a strong belief in their talent and am dedicated to paving a path forward for them.

One of the core values at HTG is the significance of connections. I place immense importance on fostering genuine and lasting relationships with artists, collectors, brands, and institutional spaces. I understand that collaboration and community can have a transformative impact, amplifying the voices of these artists and empowering them to create meaningful change.

What inspired you to open your own gallery?



After spending several years in the New York Art World, I began to observe aspects that didn't align with my values. It was during this time that I came to the realization that I should take matters into my own hands. The prospect of creating a space where a community could come together, grow, and gain mutual support provided me with immense fulfillment.

Tell us a bit about your creative process. How do you go about curating your space and exhibitions?



I really let the art tell me where it belongs in the space and which other works it belongs beside. On install day, I stand in the fully bare gallery, with all the works on the ground and try to picture the best way to tell the story. Sometimes it's really clear, for example when two works speak to each other in an interesting way when placed together. Mostly, there is no rhyme or reason. I would love to be able to create a road map of how I curate, but it really is a visceral practice for me.

What does living “a lasting way of life” mean to you?



For me, that means balance. Extremes of anything are not sustainable, but when you find balance, you find a lasting way of life.




What are 3 essentials you can’t live without?



I can't live without my three siblings on speed dial (aka facetime), fresh flowers in my apartment, and my local farmer's market.

What’s your favourite spot in New York right now?



I honestly adore Orchard street. There are so many fabulous shops, bars, restaurants, and people. Walking from E Houston to Dimes Square is always so much fun.






Anything African, honestly. Amapiano from South Africa, Afrobeats from Nigeria, and all the old Malian classics I grew up listening to with my father, like Amidou & Meriem and Oumou Sangaré.


Describe you personal style in three words.



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The Cairo Residency

By Team Kotn