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Charles Kalpakian
Q What does drawing light
means for you?
C.K. Drawing light on paper is
very interesting because you
have to express light without
really seeing it. Light is a source of
imagination in my daily life. When I draw a
light, i know exactly what effect I’m trying to
express. Light is above all a personal
expression, but in the same time connected
to collective memory. Light gives a frame in a
scene, it’s what I define first when I start to
create a lamp.
Q What is the most complicated aspect in
designing a lamp?
C.K. It’s to create nice shadows ;) The light
and the shadow are connected.
The most challenging part is around this
light source. Every light has its own story,
because designing lamps is designing
function and application in and for a space,
which requires research into the interaction
of light in our daily lives. How people will
use them and in what context. It takes time
and patience to move from a concept to the
reality of a product. To be convinced of a
concept is to take the time.
Q Where does the inspiration for your Nemo
lamps come from?
C.K. I admire the light coming from Chiaro-
scuro, which has fascinated me since I
started working with Nemo. I like to work
with the contrast of geometrics volumes. My
reference in this discipline are Brancusi,
Edouardo Chillida. My approach is both
plastic and sculptural, because the object has
to live both off and on, it has to fit into the
architecture without hiding it, on the
contrary it contributes to its perception. I’m
always to bring function for a light but a
theatrical dimension.
Q The ideal place where you would like to
see your work installed?
C.K. It will be at La Fabrica of Ricardo Bofill,
an architectural masterpiece where shadows,
luminosity and concrete create endless
mutation and stories. Every space, corners,
windows and walls of this building is a
journey for the visitor.
Q The future of lighting design from your
point of view?
C.K. I think the future of lighting is the
mutation. Light has always moved society
forward; it reflects its modernity. Research
has shown that lighting has a significant
impact on our circadian rhythms, mood, and
overall health, so maybe the future is more
Human Centric Lighting.
Wall Shadows Grand, wall. Designed by Charles Kalpakian.
Conversation with Charles Kalpakian
