On view at Luminaire comes an experimental and extraordinarily raw glimpse into the versatility and sophistication of natural stone as interpreted through the lens of the cultural diaspora, thanks to the award-winning efforts of the natural stone brand SolidNature and Secrets of the Universe. With devoted attention to opening minds to the transformative power of the refined materiality and sublime forms that encompass good design, Luminaire expands souls with the exhibition Souvenirs of a Forgotten Past, where nine designers and artists of varied backgrounds have been invited to create a souvenir out of stone that narrates a personal journey between cultures.
Organized in collaboration with SolidNature, who harnesses the power of exclusive materials to bring to life the possibilities imagined through that which is unseen, and Secrets of the Universe, known for novel and investigative architecture and installations, this exhibition marks the first small-scale project for SolidNature and attempts to address the contemporary conversations surrounding identity, belonging, and human connection to place, with particular attention to cultural migration as artists are asked to reflect on the meeting of two or more cultures in a new environment, drawn from personal experiences and memory. According to SolidNature’s CEO David Mahyari, Souvenirs of a Forgotten Past aims to highlight the natural beauty found in both the stone pieces and cultural narratives, sourcing materials from around the world to mirror “how each piece inherently carries the essence of diverse backgrounds.” At the heart of the project’s rich tapestry is the fact that each designer brings with them their own unique cultural heritage, contributing to the diversity of creations and capturing the global essence of the installation.
Nestled in the Luminaire showrooms which feature the best in modern and contemporary design available today, juxtaposing the myriad potency of good design with the arresting command of material and cultural creativity inherent in the stories we tell through stone disseminate the transcendent beauty and poetically inspired narrative of this groundbreaking exhibition to as many as possible, uplifting lives with the soulful strength of thoughtful design, creative, erudite, formidable, and poignant.
October 2024
