The exhibition at the Kunstgewerbemuseum, Berlin

Latin design research plays a vital role in the global design narrative, offering valuable insights drawn from a diverse cultural heritage and innovative approaches that challenge traditional perspectives. This research, deeply rooted in the region's unique history, blends indigenous practices, diverse cultural interactions, and contemporary movements to create a distinct design language with the power to reshape the future of design. One standout area of Latin design research is material exploration, where traditional knowledge meets modern innovation.

Material research in Latin America often involves reimagining local, sustainable resources and transforming them into contemporary design solutions. This approach not only preserves cultural heritage but also respects and values traditional knowledge, addressing global concerns such as sustainability and environmental impact. By exploring how materials can be sourced, processed, and used in ecologically and socially responsible ways, Latin American designers are pushing the boundaries of what design can achieve.

The exhibition Matter of South (MoS) – Biomaterial Cultures from Latin America, held at the Kunstgewerbemuseum in Berlin, explored how biomaterial initiatives harness culture and biodiversity to create new possibilities for the future through research on biofabricated materials. This endeavor aimed to rewrite the human relationship with the immediate environment while questioning and providing alternatives to the established extractivist model. The exhibition showcased a diverse range of projects that exemplify this commitment to material research and its potential to redefine design paradigms. The works of Agustina Ruiz, Andrea Bandoni, and Carolina Pacheco were among the highlights, each offering a unique perspective on how tradition and modernity can be harmonized to create sustainable and culturally resonant designs while deeply respecting and valuing the traditional knowledge embedded in these practices.

Agustina Ruiz explored the creative possibilities of natural materials in her project Pálticos, where she used avocado pits to extract starch and color. This innovative approach resulted in unique textures that emphasize the aesthetic potential of natural resources.

Andrea Bandoni’s project, Cuia Colab, bridged ancestral knowledge and modern design practices in the Amazon Forest. By creating household objects through a circular, biological process, Cuia Colab not only provided durable and compostable alternatives to everyday items but also reinforced the cultural and economic vitality of local artisan communities. The use of Crescentia cujete fruit, traditionally crafted by Indigenous artisans, reflects a deep respect for and valuation of cultural heritage and traditional knowledge while promoting sustainable living.

Carolina Pacheco, with her project Calcáreo, investigated the potential of biomimicry and biodesign by utilizing calcareous organisms from marine ecosystems. By transforming mussel shells—a waste product from Chile’s mussel farming industry—into a biocomposite material with alginate from brown algae, Calcáreo introduced a new way of engaging with materials that aligns with natural processes. The resulting ceramic-like material, which dissolves in water and reintegrates into the ecosystem, symbolizes a harmonious return to nature, rooted in the traditional understanding of cyclical natural systems.

Reflection on the Exhibition's Impact

Though the Matter of South exhibition has concluded, its influence continues to resonate within the global design community. The exhibition not only highlighted the innovative approaches of Latin American designers but also sparked important conversations around sustainability, cultural heritage, and the future of material research. The featured projects stand as powerful examples of how design can promote ecological balance, social innovation, and cultural expression, all while deeply respecting and valuing the traditional knowledge that underpins these innovations. Moreover, Matter of South demonstrated how biomaterial initiatives can harness the richness of culture and biodiversity to envision a future that redefines our relationship with the environment, offering thoughtful alternatives to the extractivist models that have long dominated.

INFO

Curatorial Team

Matter of South (MoS) – Biomaterial Cultures from Latin America is curated by Heidi Jalkh, Gisela Pozzetti , Valentina Aliaga, and Sistemas Materiales

The exhibition is part of the More than Human platform at the Kunstgewerbemuseum, curated by Claudia Banz.

https://more-than-human.eu/en/matter-of-south1/

Photography

Composition of material research - pages from Trazos: Edición Biomateriales (2024) by Gisela Pozzetti, Heidi Jalkh, and Sistemas Materiales.

Words

Nina Zulian