At the heart of Tecnológico de Monterrey’s exhibit, a striking collection showcases diverse projects such as a lamp crafted from volcanic stone, inspired by a sunrise. These remarkable works are housed in the “Architecture, Art and Design” program, and are part of the Inédito Universitario 2026 exhibit during Design Week México.
Exploring Black Through Mexican Crafts and Design
Black, an ancestral tradition in Mexican craft, forms the core theme of this exhibition. Students collaborated with artisans, transforming materials like black clay and volcanic stone into contemporary pieces. Each creation tells a story through its shape, drawing from cultural memory and design innovation.
Estrato by Mariana Gayón García
“Estrato,” a book organizer, merges the earth’s memory with human knowledge. Made from black volcanic stone, it uses the stone’s weight and texture as functional elements to arrange books. This piece symbolizes the union of material memory and intellectual heritage, epitomizing these distinctive creations.
Tatemada by Gabriela Covarrubias Rodríguez
“Tatemada” is a table lamp from black clay, channeling the ambience of Oaxaca’s smoke kitchens. The lamp’s surface mimics soot textures, and its warm light evokes the hearth’s glow. Covarrubias reimagines traditional pottery into a modern light fixture, which perfectly demonstrates regional craftsmanship.
Explore how ceramic and wood unite in lighting design for a glimpse into transformational craftsmanship and innovative lighting.
Comitl by Lucía Gallegos Bátiz
“Comitl” captures the essence of ancient corn storage vessels with its rounded silhouette transitioning into a conical form. This decorative piece connects past and present, embodying the traditional and contemporary in one design, showcasing exceptional artisanal design.
Inframundo by Juan Pablo Castillo Villalón
“Inframundo” uses ceramics to explore Mesoamerican underworld themes. This set includes a cup and cacao filter, their silhouettes evoking historical vessels. Natural pigments create a black finish, marking ceramic transformation visible through its hues.
Veda by Emanuel Reyes Díaz
“Veda” features a volcanic stone base with a frosted glass dome that reveals food like the mysterious allure of Mexican cabaret cinema. This design parallels culinary art and cinematic allure through elements of anticipation and revelation.
Bartola by Alejandra Arnaud Escobar
“Bartola” integrates purpleheart wood, leather, and brass into a stool that reflects the intersection of cowboy aesthetics and Japanese resource consciousness. Each crafted detail speaks to its focus on material significance and tradition.
Bucle by Paulina Ibarra Gutiérrez
“Bucle” is a modular shelving system incorporating crocheted wire, elevating traditional jewelry-making to furniture design. This project redefines manual craftsmanship’s role against industrial norms, standing as a testament to exclusivity and intention, and aligns with these unique artworks.
Rastro by Tamara Cagigal Esclusa
“Rastro” offers a modular wall decoration system using charred-wood pieces. Its texture reflects lava patterns, turning walls into canvases of transformation with geometric and tactile contrasts.
Delve into Mexican ceramic heritage with Studio davidpompa’s tribute collection, celebrating cultural craftsmanship.
El Resguardo by Anabella Cariño Olivier
“El Resguardo,” comprising three marble containers, combines the permanence of Tecali marble with charred maple warmth. These pieces highlight the dialogue between natural textures and crafted harmony.
Tlecuil by Sophie Nicole Aguilar Ramírez
“Tlecuil,” inspired by a Nahuatl hearth concept, showcases a volcanic stone base and a fading cotton cloth shade, encapsulating a sunrise moment. This lamp embodies the philosophy of darkness as a birthplace for light, adding to the ensemble of these artistic creations.
These projects illustrate the depth and interplay of culture, material, and “design” within Monterrey’s prestigious art and architecture school, capturing a timeless journey into black’s profound storytelling through innovative works.
Sources & Links
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the inspiration behind the lamp from volcanic stone?
The lamp from volcanic stone is inspired by a sunrise. It embodies the philosophy of darkness as a birthplace for light.
How does ‘Estrato’ by Mariana Gayón García arrange books?
‘Estrato’ uses the weight and texture of black volcanic stone as functional elements to arrange books. It symbolizes the union of material memory and intellectual heritage.
What materials are combined in ‘El Resguardo’ by Anabella Cariño Olivier?
‘El Resguardo’ combines the permanence of Tecali marble with the warmth of charred maple. These pieces highlight the dialogue between natural textures and crafted harmony.