In Nahuatl, an Aztec language indigenous to Mesoamerica nonetheless spoken by greater than one million folks all through Mexico, kauani means “to flourish.” Inés Llasera, co-founder of Tornasol Studio, and textile designer Inés Quezada conceived of a sequence of luminaires impressed by native flora in celebration of the area’s wealthy botanic variety.
The continuing sequence, KAUANI, emulates particulars of endemic species, drawing on textures discovered on cacti, geometric agaves, and the rhythmic patterns of corn. The duo additionally discover inspiration within the distinctive seeds of mamey and guanabana fruits or the pigmentation of cacao and chili peppers.
“Cacti symbolize resilience,” Quezada and Llasera say in a press release, sharing how the vegetation’ variations to excessive environments imply they’ll endure lengthy droughts and excessive temperatures. The pair provides:
As an illustration, their spines not solely function a protection mechanism but additionally condense water and create a protecting layer. Their pale pigmentation, ensuing from waxes that insulate their tissues and their water-retention capabilities grant them distinctive volumetric varieties. In contrast to most vegetation, cacti carry out photosynthesis at night time, closing their stomata throughout the day to preserve water and vitamins. It’s in darkness that they really “breathe.”
Merging pure types of fruit and botanicals with textiles, the lanterns incorporate knitted skins with delicate spikes, ruffles, or tentacles that tread the road between illustration and abstraction. Melon-like orbs and rectangular shapes harking back to seed pods are suspended from the ceiling or propped up on surfaces with spindly ft.
If you happen to’re in Mexico Metropolis, you may see KAUANI in Noches Árides by way of Could 15 at AGO Projects. Discover extra on the designers’ website, and comply with updates on Instagram.
