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—each piece telling a story of identity, material, and meaning.
“native matter” at DESIGN / DIALOGUE. Courtesy.
In a global design landscape increasingly defined by 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.
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 Ona, in collaboration with Brutalisten—the concept restaurant founded by Carsten Höller—held during Art Basel Paris. It was one of those rare occasions where everything just clicked: good food, thoughtful art, and easy conversation. As two Mexicans living in Europe and working within the cultural field, we instantly connected.
When I heard that the collective would be debuting native matter this June in Copenhagen—presented as part of Design / Dialogue by Ark Journal during 3daysofdesign—I was excited to see their vision take shape on an international stage. The exhibition brings together works from 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.”
Coa Side Table by Peca. Courtesy.
Design That Holds Meaning
Set within the elegant, editorial context of Ark Journal’s Design / Dialogue platform, native matter enters a broader conversation around 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 selected to reflect both a sense of place and a deep commitment to process.
Take the Coa Side Table by Peca, for example, which 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.”
Pollux Vase by Ayres. Courtesy.
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 compelling case for objects that are not only functional, but culturally resonant—each carrying 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