Art Week 2024 Mexico
Sociedad Volcánica Exhibition
Studio davidpompa presents “Sociedad volcánica” from February 5 – 17 during Mexico City Art Week. The exhibition focuses on the origin of ancient stones and research transformed into a geological discourse. A series of talks and conversations between creatives of different fields will reflect on culture and science surrounding the exhibited works.
The concept of “Sociedad volcánica” is born out of the interest to collaborate and investigate on the history of ancient stones. A space that connects people through science, aesthetics, and materiality. The physical and digital platform allows creatives to present their work and exchange ideas. An ancient science of explosions, debris, ashes and dust, millions of years speaking through textures and contemporary interpretation. ...
The exhibition space is covered in ashes, inspired by a geological event millions of years ago, the explosion that created the “toba volcánica” stone. The movement and direction of minerals, stones and glass encapsulated in the material defines its character. These fragments sustained over time become the central element for the new collection of light sculptures “Ambra” that will be presented in a new color for the first time.
The studio reflects on its research-based process and investigation. Archival shelves filled with stones, prototypes, photographs, and archival images allow the light sculptures to connect with the visual journey of their own design evolution and frame the exhibition space. Visitors are invited to interact with the space and experience collaborations, from scent and taste to photos and objects. Surrounded by an abstract sound, the space is accompanied by the imaginary seconds before the creation the material, the tension before the explosion.
The new series of light sculptures named “Ambra” combines volumes of ancient stones and aluminum. Centerpiece is the Mexican “Toba volcánica” stone that consists of minerals, glass and volcanic debris ejected one million years ago during severe eruptions. Fragments
in the geometrical surfaces are testament to these explosions and movement. Its character is defined as sculptural and minimalist. An approach to the material that enhances its aesthetics and historical context.
Materializing the history and origins into a collection of solid objects linked to a light source, something that fades and is intangible. Creating a paradox that embodies this duality in a timeless aesthetic.
In partnership with the department of Geology of the National Autonomous University of Mexico “UNAM”, an investigation on the origins of “Toba volcánica” opened a deeper insight on a stone that is widely used in Mexican culture. The stone has the false common name “Cantera” (Spanish word for quarry) and there is no public understanding of its origin and composition. This scientific investigation is driven by the studio ́s strong desire to research materials and share public knowledge.
The exhibition features a wide range of collaborations that share the discourse on earth explosions. A research of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, photomicrography work of Dutch Wim van Egmond, Mexican chocolate manufacturer Cuna de Piedra, Mexican artist and researcher Maria Naidich, Mexican stationary design Numen, Paris based SAVVY executive director Bernardo Dominguez, German sound designer Leon Senger and Austrian food designer Philipp Kolmann will be part of the installation and talks.
Sociedad Volcánica Talks
The Sociedad Volcánica Exhibition by Studio davidpompa during Art Week in Mexico 2024 focuses on the origin of ancient stones and research transformed into a geological discourse. These series of talks and conversations between creatives from different disciplines reflect on the culture and science that surrounds the works exhibited.
