Morfogénesis: 2,000-Piece Saltillo Clay Mural Maps Mountains Inside Don Artemio Restaurant
At Don Artemio, a contemporary restaurant located in Saltillo, Mexico, a sculptural installation titled Morfogénesis features nearly 2,000 intricately carved pieces of Saltillo clay. This artwork, crafted by sibling artists Avelina and Alejandro Fuentes Quezada, represents the topography of the Saltillo Valley and Sierra Madre Oriental, utilizing satellite imagery and laser projection. The creation process spanned two years, including a year dedicated to experimenting with clay, and involved collaboration with architect Luis González Díaz de León. Don Artemio highlights the culinary traditions and culture of northeastern Mexico. Alejandro emphasized the significance of Saltillo tile as a blend of architecture, cuisine, craftsmanship, and landscape, with contributions from Chef Juan Ramón Cárdenas and the Cárdenas family.
Key facts
- Morfogénesis is a sculptural installation and the centerpiece of Don Artemio, a restaurant in Saltillo, Mexico.
- It comprises nearly 2,000 individually carved pieces made of Saltillo clay.
- Sibling artists Avelina Fuentes Quezada and Alejandro Fuentes Quezada created the work.
- The artists used satellite data, digital segmentation, and laser projection to transfer information onto clay before cutting and assembling.
- The installation translates the topography of the Saltillo Valley and the Sierra Madre Oriental range.
- The project took two years, including an entire year of experimenting with clay.
- Architect Luis González Díaz de León designed the restaurant and collaborated with the artists for seamless integration.
- Eugene Kim, Editor-in-Chief at My Modern Met, visited Don Artemio over the summer and saw the installation firsthand.
Entities
Artists
- Avelina Fuentes Quezada
- Alejandro Fuentes Quezada
- Luis González Díaz de León
- Juan Ramón Cárdenas
- Eugene Kim
- Adrián García
Institutions
- Don Artemio
- My Modern Met
Locations
- Saltillo
- Mexico
- Coahuila
- Sierra Madre Oriental