Galerie Philia’s Transatlántico exhibition highlights a new generation of Latin American designers in dialogue with European designers being shown in Mexico for the first time. The immersive experience is taking place in Mexico City February 8th through 12th, during Zona Maco art week. Transatlántico aims to celebrate artistry as a means of transcending societal, cultural, and geographical boundaries between two different parts of the world. The scenography has been organized with luxury events company House of Kirschner, known for their immersive installations. The gallery space, along with a specially designed rooftop, will take visitors on a journey of the senses. Andres Monnier’s boulder fire pits illuminate the space, while scents meant to evoke the Mexican eco-system are diffused through functional pieces by Rio de Janeiro-based architectural firm Studio Roca.
Banco Gor Bench by Arturo Verástegui for Breuer Estudio, 1.55 x 0.48 x 0.60 m, lacquered polished wood, bronze handles, leather
“Transatlántico is founded on the idea of forming a transatlantic bridge between the contrasting cultural and artistic worlds of Europe and Latin America, identifying how we establish a creative discourse across the social boundaries associated with the geography that divides us. We hope that the culmination of these pieces together, a hybrid of European and Latin American visual idiosyncrasies, creates an influence more sensational than that of the individual; a testament and appreciation of the intricacies of Latin America’s culture and design on an international scale,” said Ygaël Attali, co-founder of Galerie Philia.
Caminos Chichimecas Wall Hanging by Caralarga, 200 x 180 cm, 100% raw cotton yarn, dyed cotton yarn, hangs from black ironwork bar + supports
With more than 30 designers taking part, there are lots of high points to Transatlántico, with environmental design that features natural fabrics and sustainable materials featured prominently. Alejandra Aristizábal’s uses fique, a native plant from the Andean region, to create textiles and ropes, while Caralarga’s woven designs are made from discarded fabric waste. Not to be missed is the ecological work of Estudio Raffreyre and their multidisciplinary creative team who are skilled in traditional Peruvian artistic practices. Cristián Mohaded’s statement chairs were made using native woods, such as missionary moor cedar and other endemic Argentinian materials.
From the European side you’ll find the bold Yeti Sofa from Vladimir Naumov, and the Overgrown Bubbles collection of unique mouth blown glass lights created by Alex De Witte and over-grown with natural crystals produced from a liquid developed by Mark Sturkenboom. Brutalist bronze furniture by Rick Owens features different finishes, and Pierre Valck’s half-moon shaped cabinet covered in green malachite are real showstoppers.
Candelera 03 Light by Federico Stefanovich, 2021, 90 x 190 cm, brass, polypropylene light diffusers, dimmable LED strips \\\ Photo: Mariana Achach
Transatlántico is overflowing with talent, so we implore you to explore the show further. You’ll find work from designers Alejandra Aristizábal (Colombia), Alex de Witte (The Netherlands), Alexis Christodoulou x Missana Lab (Spain), Andrés Monnier (Mexico), Breuer Estudio (Mexico), Caralarga (Mexico), Casa Alfarera (Dominican Republic), Chuch Estudio (Mexico), Cristián Mohaded (Argentina), Comité de Proyectos (Mexico), Estudio RAFFREYRE (Peru), Federico Stefanovich (Mexico), Gloria Cortina (Mexico), Ila Ceramica (Mexico), Joel Escanola (Mexico), Jorge Diego Etienne (Mexico), Ludovic Clément d’Armont (France), Manu Bañó (Mexico), Mark Sturkenboom (The Netherlands), Nomade Atelier (Mexico), Panorammma (Mexico), Pierre de Valck (Belgium), Pietro Franceschini (Italy/USA), Platalea Studio (Mexico), Rodrigo Bravo (Chile), Rick Owens (Europe/USA), Ries Estudio (Argentina), RRRes (Mexico), Studio Roca/Taller Escape (Mexico), Taller Nacional (Mexico), Verdi Design (Columbia), VIDIVIXI (Mexico), VISSIO (Mexico), and Vladimir Naumov x Missana Lab (Spain).
Casbah Chair from Collection 12.16 by Nomade Atelier, 87cm x 74cm x 43 cm, brass, iron, leather
Clam Side Table by Casa Alfarera \\\ Photo: Victor-Stonem
Collo Daybed by Pietro Franceschini
Ghost Pendant Light by Héctor Esrawe, Emiliano Godoy, and Brian Thoreen with Nouvel for VISSIO, handblown glass in tobacco, silicon tubing, LED strips \\\ Photo: Adan Mendoza
Grua Light from Collection 12.15 by Nomade Atelier, TZALAM hard wood, brass, leather, Mexican Quarry stone, 50 x 62 x 15 cm
Hermanx Auxilliary Table by VIDIVIXI, 2020, 48 x 48 x 52 cm, hardwood oak, bronze/clear glass \\\ Photo: Jorge Abuxapqui
MILOS Chair by Alexis Christodoulou, 65 x 70 x 43 cm, iron structure and MDF board, seat foam CMHR, backrest 50% goose feather and 50% polyester fibre
OBJ-01 Table Lamp by Manu Baño, 38 x 22 x 7 cm, steel
Óseo Light by Federico Stefanovich, 2019, 45 x 47 x H 45 cm, solid walnut wood, steel, parchment paper
Perchero Trasiego Coat Rack by Sebastián Angeles for Breuer Estudio, 110 x 30 x 30 cm, burnt wood in a black tone, bona finish
Sherman Chair by Arturo Verástegui for Breuer Estudio, 2020, burnt white oak, leather \\\ Photo: Mariana Achach
Tori Benches by Ries Estudio, 2019 \\\ Photo: Félix Niikado
Toribio and Alcira Chairs by Christián Mohaded, Toribio: 142 x 66 x 45 cm, Alcira: 142 x 66 x 45 cm, Carob wood \\\ Photo: Manual Mazzaro
Urn by Rick Owens, 34 x 34 x 57cm, bronze
Wall hanging by Alejandra Aristizábal, Fique and Copper, 2021
Wetland 2 by Studio Raffreyre, weaving in reed and bulrush from Huacho wetlands
Yo Jaguar Chair by Rodrigo Lobato Yáñes for Platalea Studio, 70 x 72.4 x 85.8 cm, steel round tube, steel elbow pipe, electrostatic paint, brass sheet
Visit Transatlántico in person: February 8-12, 2022 Avenida Ejército Nacional 676, INT 501, Polanco III Sección 11540 Miguel Hidalgo, CDMX Mexico City, Mexico
Kelly Beall is senior editor at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based graphic designer and writer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, and enjoys sharing her finds with others. When undistracted by great art and design, she can be found making a mess in the kitchen, consuming as much information as possible, or on the couch with her three pets. Find her @designcrush on social.
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