Design + Craftsmanship + Territory
The Essence of Colombian Creativity
Rosana Escobar - OroBlanco
Nestled in the lush landscapes of Colombia, a passionate community of artisans and designers is weaving together tradition and modernity. Rather than looking to foreign influences, they find inspiration in the fertile heart of their homeland. This movement, deeply connected to the idea of localism, harnesses the abundant local resources, cultural legacy, and indigenous wisdom to produce captivating designs with profound ecological, economic, and social impacts.
In the mid-20th century, Colombia faced a significant turning point as it grappled with the appeal of industrialization and modernization. This period held the promise of mass production and urban prosperity, often at the cost of the country's rural essence and artisanal heritage. Influenced greatly by its colonial history, Colombia was conflicted between the drive to modernize and the imperative to protect its distinct cultural identity. Imported fashions and global trends dominated the scene, overshadowing local craftsmanship and resulting in a cultural identity crisis evident in the workings of local design companies.
As time passed, the cultural landscape began to evolve. Today, mindful of the climate crisis, overconsumption, and the enduring legacy of colonialism, Colombian designers have started to seek inspiration from within, drawing from the country's diverse natural landscapes instead of relying solely on international design conventions.
A Fresh Wave of Innovators
In Colombia's design scene, researchers such as Simón Ballen Botero have taken the lead in promoting a local-centric approach to design. In the historic town of Marmato, Simón has uncovered an innovative method of transforming mining waste into exquisite glass pieces through his 'Suelo Orfebre' project. Each artwork not only tells its unique story but also highlights the environmental and cultural narratives of the area. These creations bring new vitality to the remnants of the region's gold-mining past, igniting important conversations about the lasting effects of mining on the local environment and community.
Simón Ballen Botero, Project Suelo Orfebre - Colombia’s Minings
Simón Ballen Botero, Project Suelo Orfebre - Details
Simón Ballen Botero, Project Suelo Orfebre - Colombia’s Minings
Simón Ballen Botero, Project Suelo Orfebre - Handmade Tools
Simón's innovative approach extends beyond traditional design; it challenges our perceptions of luxury and critiques the contemporary design market. By repurposing mine waste to create one-of-a-kind art pieces, he urges us to reconsider what we value as luxurious and desirable. Simón goes beyond art to advocate for a deep, collaborative relationship with local artisans and communities, ensuring they are essential partners in the creative process, not just participants.
Through projects like "Suelo Orfebre," Simón Ballen Botero is reshaping the definition of Colombian design. His work demonstrates that true innovation stems from a profound understanding and respect for local environments and cultures. By transforming waste into valuable resources and blending traditional practices with contemporary design techniques, Simón is paving the way for a future in Colombian design that is both critically engaged and authentically represented.
His dedication to localism not only helps preserve Colombia's rich cultural heritage but also promotes environmentally responsible design practices. Simón's work stands as a powerful testament to how local resources and traditional knowledge can be utilized to create meaningful and sustainable solutions. It also sparks broader discussions about mining, resource exploitation, and their environmental impacts, positioning his designs as focal points for debates on sustainability and cultural preservation.
Simón Ballen Botero, Project Suelo Orfebre - Details
Maria Cano - Ceramics at Ensō Exhibition
The ethos of shared creativity and respect for traditional knowledge is likewise embodied in the work of Maria Cano, a ceramist who blends ancient techniques from the Juana Sánchez pottery community with contemporary artistic expressions. Her creations showcase the enduring beauty and relevance of Colombian crafts. In an age dominated by mass production, Maria's commitment to traditional crafts provides a refreshing contrast. Her work emphasizes the value of handmade objects and the stories they convey, demonstrating how traditional techniques can be combined with contemporary design principles to create pieces with rich historical and contemporary significance.
Maria Cano - Handmade Processes
Maria Cano - Blending Ancient Techniques from the Juana Sánchez Pottery Community
Maria Cano - Ceramics at Ensō Exhibition
On the other hand, Rosana Escobar is revolutionizing the use of materials in design. Working between Colombia and the Netherlands, she rejuvenates traditional fibers, turning them into highly acclaimed works of art and functional items. Among her notable projects is the innovative use of fique, a fiber traditionally used in Colombia to make sacks for exporting coffee to Europe. Rosana has re-imagined this humble material as "OROBLANCO," highlighting its newfound artistic and functional importance.
Rosana Escobar - Process - Natural Fibres - Fique
Rosana Escobar - OroBlanco
Rosana Escobar - OroBlanco - Handmade textiles
Rosana Escobar - OroBlanco
Fique, derived from the leaves of the Furcraea andina plant, is an environmentally sustainable fiber known for its strength and durability, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications like coffee sacks. This fibrous material, once overlooked in the international design scene, is being redefined by Rosana through her work. She examines the entire life cycle of fique—from its cultivation to its transformation—ensuring that each step is sustainable and enriches the communities involved.
Her collaborative projects with local artisans in Curití, Barichara, San Joaquín, and Mogotes not only employ traditional techniques but also enhance them with contemporary design innovations. This fusion of old and new not only highlights the robust and adaptable nature of fique but also revitalizes its role within Colombian culture.
Through her pioneering efforts, Rosana Escobar advocates for a design philosophy that deeply respects traditional practices while propelling them into sustainable futures. Her work with fique exemplifies how local resources, when reinterpreted through thoughtful design, can garner significant global appreciation and lead to more sustainable practices across industries.
Rosana Escobar - Unravelling the Coffee Bag | Photography Iris Rijskamp
The revitalization of Colombian design, which combines traditional and contemporary elements, plays a significant role in shaping a distinct cultural identity and supporting local economic initiatives. Designers such as Simón Ballen Botero, Rosana Escobar, and ceramist Maria Cano are deeply committed to using local resources. This not only preserves unique cultural heritages but also creates significant economic opportunities by reimagining waste and overseeing materials. The new generation of Colombian designers minimizes their environmental impact by prioritizing local materials and craftsmanship, promoting a regenerative and circular production approach.
Ensō
ENSŌ is a gallery dedicated to showcasing and promoting collectible Latin American design rooted in anthropology and research. ENSŌ features renowned designers like Simón Ballen, Rosana Escobar, and María Cano, along with emerging young talents who unveil new projects annually. This year, ENSŌ will unveil the works of Rosana Escobar at Inédito, an integral part of Design Week Mexico. The event is scheduled to take place at the Espacio CDMX Arquitectura y Diseño from October 7, 2024.
INFO
ENSŌ
https://www.enso.com.co/
@enso_diseno
Simón Ballen Botero
https://www.simonballen.com/
@simonballen
Project Suelo Orfebre
In collaboration with Pieter van Dyck, Nadia Matthynssens, James Lemus, and the community of Marmato.
María Cano Casas
@__salvaje__
Ceramics blending ancient techniques from the Juana Sánchez pottery community.
Rosana Escobar
@escobaryrosas
@secondaryraw
Project OroBlanco
In collaboration with local artisans in Curití, Barichara, San Joaquín, and Mogotes.
Photography Courtesy: ENSŌ
Sources
Disegno Magazine, Design Review 02 - "Beyond The Pursuit Of El Dorado" - Words by Simón Ballen Botero
Elle Decor Italia Article on Simón Ballen
Homo Faber: Discover María Cano Casas