Milan Design Week – Bridging Cultures and Crafts
Alvaro Catalán de Ocón’s recent exhibition at Milan Design Week, featuring the Frafra Tapestry and PET Lamp Gurunsi. Encapsulates a profound narrative of cultural preservation through innovative design. These works, inspired by the architectural forms and traditional crafts of northern Ghana’s Gurunsi region. Speak to a seamless integration of heritage and modernity.
Alvaro’s collaboration with the Baba Tree Basket Company began after his discovery of Gurunsi craftsmanship at the Quai Branly Museum in Paris, which celebrates non-Western arts. This partnership aims to reinterpret traditional basketry into contemporary art forms.
The Frafra Tapestry, born from this collaboration, uses architectural blueprints of local family compounds as its muse. Translating these structures into meticulously woven tapestries. Each piece captures the essence of Gurunsi residential life, portraying the communal and organic nature of family growth and interaction.
Parallel to this, the PET Lamp Gurunsi extends the dialogue between traditional form and contemporary function. Made from recycled PET bottles, these lamps not only illuminate but also embody the principles of sustainability and community support. They stand as a testament to Alvaro’s commitment to environmental stewardship and cultural dialogue, bridging the gap between artisanal heritage and ecological responsibility.
With global recognition for both artistic and social impact, Alvaro’s work at Milan Design Week was not just a display of design prowess but a compelling statement on the power of design to effect change.
By transforming everyday materials and traditional techniques into striking pieces of functional art, Alvaro Catalán de Ocón elevates the discourse on how contemporary design can contribute to sustainability while honoring and preserving ancient cultures.
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Global Innovator in Fashion, Design, and Sustainability Leadership. Robert Meeder stands as a global thought leader in the dynamic interplay of craft, fashion, design, and sustainability. His expansive 20-year career spans both industry and academia, marking him as a sought-after professor of practice and senior expert. Meeder's expertise extends to his role as a visiting lecturer and a senior expert advisor to European delegations, along with his valuable contributions as a mentor to start-ups.
Meeder's expertise extends to his role as a visiting lecturer and a senior expert advisor to European delegations, along with his valuable contributions as a mentor to start-ups.
With a diverse global footprint that stretches from Scandinavia to the Middle East and Asia, Robert has also made a significant impact in Sri Lanka. His Australian roots and education at the Royal Danish Academy in fashion, coupled with his PhD studies at Högskolan Borås, Sweden, in textiles and management, have underpinned a vibrant and multifaceted career.
In his journey, Robert Meeder has transcended traditional boundaries, blending his insights in innovation, technology, and craft to leave an indelible mark on the industries he touches. His influence is not confined to the academic sphere; it extends into the realms of practice and policy.
Robert's insightful contributions to leading publications like Architecture Digest and Harpers Bazaar have cemented his status as an authority in design. His keen eye for trends and unwavering commitment to nurturing new talent have made him a pivotal figure in shaping the future of design. As a mentor and judge, Robert doesn't just share his knowledge; he inspires and fosters growth in the next generation of designers, making his role in the world of design as inspirational as it is influential.
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