Basalto Collective brings ‘native matter’ to Copenhagen

A showcase of Mexico’s evolving design culture. Curated by Paulina Resendiz, the exhibition blends heritage with contemporary craft, where each piece tells a story of identity, material, and meaning.

Pollux Vase by Ayres. Courtesy.

In a global design landscape increasingly defined by its cross-cultural dialogue, Basalto Collective stands out as a platform deeply rooted in place, material, and meaning. Founded by Paulina Resendiz, Basalto fosters conversation between contemporary design, traditional craftsmanship, and cultural heritage—showcasing the richness of Mexican craft through a curatorial lens.

Named after the volcanic stone that has shaped Mexico’s natural and architectural identity, the collective brings together designers, artisans, and studios whose work reflects both ancestral knowledge and forward-thinking form through exhibitions, global showcases, and thoughtful storytelling.

“Our goal is to spark cross-cultural conversations about heritage, materiality, and the role of design as a carrier of identity,” says Resendiz. “Craftsmanship isn’t static—it’s dynamic, adaptable, and vital to the future of design.”

I met Paulina last year in what felt like the most fitting setting for two art and design enthusiasts to cross paths: a pop-up dinner by culinary studio We Are One, in collaboration with Brutalisten—the concept restaurant founded by Carsten Höller—during Art Basel Paris. It was one of those occasions where everything just clicked—good food, art, conversation— and as two Mexicans living in Europe and working within the cultural field, we immediately connected.

So when I found out that this June the collective would debut native matter in Copenhagen—part of Design / Dialogue by Ark Journal during 3daysofdesign—it felt like the natural next chapter. The exhibition features works by eight of Mexico’s leading contemporary studios: Ayres, Comité de Proyectos, Federico Stefanovich, José Bermúdez, Peca, Sebastián Ángeles, Siete Studio, and Studio H. Fernández.

“With native matter, we’re continuing Basalto Collective’s mission to honor Mexico’s rich craft heritage while reimagining it through a contemporary lens,” says Resendiz. “What we’re bringing to Copenhagen is more than a collection of objects—it’s a gathering of narratives that show how craft can evolve without losing its roots.”

Design That Holds Meaning

Set within the elegant, editorial context of Ark Journal’s Design / Dialogue platform, native matter takes its place in a dialogue between global craft, design innovation, and cultural identity. What makes the show distinct is its intentional materiality—from volcanic stone and hand-carved wood to symbol-laden forms and experimental surfaces. Each piece is carefully chosen to express both a sense of place and a commitment to process.

Coa Side Table by Peca. Courtesy.

For instance, the Coa Side Table by Peca draws inspiration from the sacred serpent in Mesoamerican mythology. Its shifting geometry plays with light and shadow, evoking mysticism and movement. Meanwhile, the 32Hz Lounge Chair by Sebastián Ángeles translates sound frequencies into physical form—transforming a scientific concept into a meditative design object.

“Each piece offers a unique perspective on how material and meaning come together,” Resendiz explains. “It’s incredible that every work holds its own story, and together they form a collection that feels deeply intentional. While the presentation remains clean and refined, each piece holds so much soul.”

A living dialogue. At a time when design is being redefined across geographies, native matter positions Mexican design not as peripheral but as central to contemporary conversations around sustainability, identity, and innovation. The exhibition makes a case for objects that are not only functional, but culturally resonant—each carrying with it an embedded narrative of community, land, and evolution.

“To bring even a fragment of Mexico’s design culture to a platform like 3daysofdesign is to invite curiosity and build bridges,” Resendiz says. “That’s the impact we hope to make.”

native matter
Presented by Basalto Collective
Design / Dialogue by Ark Journal
18–20 June 2025
Parkus 11, Dampfærgevej 2, Copenhagen, Denmark

For more about the exhibition and Basalto’s work, visit basaltocollective.com

Pollux Vase by Ayres. Courtesy.