studio davidpompa introduces new cold-toned volcanic stone light sculptures

Studio davidpompa’s new collection at Mexico City Art Week

Product design practice Studio davidpompa introduces Sociedad Volcánica as part of Mexico City Art Week, running from February 5 to 17. The exhibition delves into the origins of ancient stones, presenting a geological discourse resulting from thorough research. Talks and discussions involving creatives from diverse fields aim to explore the cultural and scientific aspects surrounding the exhibited works.

The concept of Sociedad Volcánica emerges from a collaborative interest in investigating the history of ancient stones. This space serves as a nexus for people connected through science, aesthetics, and materiality, offering a platform, both physical and digital, for creatives to showcase their work and exchange ideas. The exhibition space itself, covered in ashes, draws from a geological event millions of years ago, the explosion that formed the ‘toba volcánica’ stone. The movement and arrangement of minerals, stones, and glass within the material define its character. Over time, these sustained fragments become the focal point for the new collection of light sculptures called ‘Ambra,’ presented in a new color for the first time.

all images courtesy of Studio davidpompa

Sociedad Volcánica Explores the Origins of Ancient Stones

Studio davidpompa reflects on its research-based process and investigation, using archival shelves filled with stones, prototypes, photographs, and images to connect the light sculptures with the visual evolution of their design. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the space, immersing themselves in collaborative experiences involving scent, taste, photos, and objects. Accompanied by an abstract sound, the space evokes the moments leading up to the material’s creation and the tension preceding the explosion.

The ‘Ambra’ series blends volumes of ancient stones and aluminum, with the centerpiece being the Mexican ‘Toba volcánica’ stone, featuring minerals, glass, and volcanic debris. The geometrical surfaces showcase fragments as evidence of past explosions and movement, defining a sculptural and minimalist character. This approach enhances the material’s aesthetics and historical context, transforming the history and origins into a collection of solid objects linked to a light source. This paradox embodies a duality in a timeless aesthetic.

the exhibition spotlights the transformation of research into a geological discourse

In collaboration with the Department of Geology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the studio’s investigation into the origins of ‘Toba volcánica’ provides deeper insights into a stone widely used in Mexican culture. Referred to commonly as ‘Cantera’ (Spanish for quarry), this scientific inquiry aligns with the studio’s commitment to researching materials and sharing public knowledge. The exhibition showcases a diverse range of collaborations, all contributing to the discourse on earth explosions.

The opening party will take place on Tuesday the 6th of February from 6 pm to 10 pm, in Colima 264, Roma Norte, 06700, Mexico City.

the space serves as a nexus for people connected through science, aesthetics, and materiality

Studio davidpompa’s approach enhances the material’s aesthetics and historical context

the history and origins of the stones are transformed into a collection of solid objects linked to a light source

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geometric fragments bear witness to past explosions, defined by a sculptural, minimalist character

mexican 'Toba volcánica' stone that consists of minerals, glass and volcanic debris serves as the centerpiece

geometrical surfaces bear fragments, a testament to past explosions and movement

history speaks through textures, a contemporary interpretation of ancient explosions, debris, ashes, and dust

a uniform crafted to intertwine design and geology enhances the immersive experience

project info:

name: Sociedad Volcánica by Studio davidpompa
designer: Studio davidpompa | @studiodavidpompa

research: National Autonomous University of Mexico | @unam_mx

chocolate manufacturer: Cuna de Piedra | @cunadepiedra_

artist: Maria Naidich | @maria.naidich

stationery design: Numen | @numen_design

exhibition executive director: Bernardo Dominguez | @bernardosavvy – Savvy Studio | @savvystudio

sound designer: Leon Senger | @l.eons.enger

food designer: Philipp Kolmann | @kolmannphilipp

photomicrography: Wim van Egmond | @wvanegmond_micro

video: Wolf Lass | @wolflass

location: Colima 264, Roma Norte, 06700, Mexico City

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom