Davidpompa Lights Up Mexico City’s Art Week with Collaborative Exhibition at Contramar
In a bustling corner of Mexico City’s Roma Norte neighborhood, the creative minds at lighting design studio Davidpompa have joined forces with the renowned restaurant Contramar to present a unique art exhibition during the city’s vibrant art week. This innovative showcase, aptly named Woven Kitchen, beautifully marries traditional Mexican weaving techniques with the art of seafood preparation, creating a sensory experience that is as visually stunning as it is delectable.
The Brainchild Behind the Collaboration
The masterminds behind this collaborative endeavor, Davidpompa and Contramar, have seamlessly blended their expertise to bring forth an exhibition that celebrates the rich heritage of Mexican craftsmanship and culinary traditions. Inspired by the intricate woven disks found in Davidpompa’s Cilia lighting collection and Contramar’s locally sourced seafood dishes, this exhibition is a testament to the beauty of cultural fusion.
David Pompa, the founder of Davidpompa, shared his inspiration behind the collaboration, stating, “Contramar is the place where we spend most of our Saturdays – it’s a place for inspiration, for cultural materials. We have a long admiration for the work of Gabriela.” This deep appreciation for Contramar’s ethos and Chef Gabriela Cámara’s culinary expertise serves as the foundation for Woven Kitchen.
A Feast for the Senses
As visitors step into the Woven Kitchen exhibition space, they are greeted by an immersive experience that transports them into a world where design and cuisine intertwine harmoniously. The floors and walls are adorned with hand-woven palma, paying homage to the traditional weaving techniques that have been passed down through generations in Mexico. Suspended from the ceiling, the Cilia lighting pendants, crafted by skilled woman artisans from Puebla, cast a warm glow over the space, adding a touch of elegance to the rustic setting.
The central focus of the exhibition is the large steel display tables that showcase Contramar’s signature seafood dishes alongside deconstructed lighting pieces, symbolizing the intricate connection between design and culinary artistry. From warm shrimp broth to tuna tostadas topped with woven leeks, each dish tells a story of tradition and innovation.
A Cultural Tapestry Unraveled
The Woven Kitchen exhibition goes beyond just food and lighting—it is a celebration of Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. Dried ingredients used in the preparation of the dishes are proudly displayed, paying homage to the traditional drying methods that have been preserved for centuries. Additionally, a limited edition piece by Davidpompa, crafted from blue-dyed palma and aluminum, captures the essence of Contramar’s bold identity, adding a contemporary twist to the exhibit.
The team behind Woven Kitchen describes the exhibition as a sensory journey that combines sculptural lighting, experimental cuisine, and a creative dialogue that transcends boundaries. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and the beauty that emerges when different art forms converge.
Joining Mexico City’s Vibrant Art Scene
As part of Mexico City’s art week, which centers around the Zona Maco art fair, Woven Kitchen stands out as a unique and immersive experience that showcases the best of Mexican design and culinary arts. This collaborative effort between Davidpompa and Contramar adds a new dimension to the city’s cultural landscape, inviting visitors to explore the intersection of tradition and innovation.
For those planning to visit Mexico City during art week, Woven Kitchen will be on display from February 4th to 9th, 2025, at Colima 264 in Roma Norte. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind exhibition that promises to delight all your senses and ignite your imagination.
