Guatemala Designs by Hand Showcases Craft and Innovation at Milan Design Week
During Milan Design Week, the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT) presented 'Guatemala Designs by Hand' in the 5VIE area, curated by Emiliano Valdés and designed by Idonika in collaboration with Amarillo Studio. This exhibition showcases the work of 17 Guatemalan design studios, focusing on traditional craftsmanship and innovative textiles. A key installation takes inspiration from the Temple of the Great Jaguar in Tikal (c. 700 AD) and features 'Tejiendo Color' by Nebula Handmade along with input from 21 weaving councils. Notable pieces include David Luna's B’atz Living Chair, Estudio Fábrica's Silla Canto, and Xicón's textile creation, Médula. This exhibition is part of a traveling initiative to promote Guatemala and reshape views on Indigenous artistry.
Key facts
- Exhibition promoted by Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT) at Milan Design Week in 5VIE district.
- Curated by Emiliano Valdés, designed by Idonika with Amarillo Studio.
- Features 17 Guatemalan design studios selected via open call.
- Central installation inspired by Temple of the Great Jaguar in Tikal (c. 700 AD).
- Tejiendo Color by Nebula Handmade uses glass beads from Lake Atitlán artisans.
- Inner lining created by women from 21 weaving councils, including Movimiento Nacional de Tejedoras and Asociación de Artesanas Tejedoras Tactiqueñas B’atz’.
- Immersive soundscape by Near Sound and audiovisual works by Producciones Tres Mares.
- Exhibition previously traveled to Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and Mexico.
- INGUAT aims to address structural racism by revaluing Indigenous craftsmanship.
Entities
Artists
- Emiliano Valdés
- Pablo Bautista
- David Luna
- Ana Claudia González
- Hubert Schoba
- Salvador Stanley Gutiérrez Olivares
- Marta Hilario
- Rosa López
- Ana Vázquez
- Lorena Velásquez
- Laura Spillari
- Keneth Isaí Tomás Xicón
- Melany Marisol Aj Ixtuc
- María Clara Ixtuc Och
- Micaela Churunel Ajú
- Petronila Jorge Set
- Violeta Gutierrez
- Jan De Bruijn Prieto
- Candelaria Chocoyo
- Eduardo Ovalle
- Ana Gabriela Samayoa
- Alejandra Cabrera
- Giselle MacDonald
- Mariano Orellana Hierro
- Alonzo Toscano
- Teo Sandigliano
Institutions
- Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT)
- Idonika
- Amarillo Studio
- Nebula Handmade
- Movimiento Nacional de Tejedoras
- Asociación de Artesanas Tejedoras Tactiqueñas B’atz’
- Asociación Brillantes Tejedoras Tactiqueñas B’atz’
- Estudio Fábrica
- Colectivo Lechuza
- Estudio Cálido
- MAYÚ
- Selva Savias
- Studio Itzá
- Nada Duele
- Studio Lábrica
- Xibalbá Studio
- Xicón
- AJ B’ATZ’ HUIPIL
- Asociación Multicolores
- Chivas & Chivas
- Guate a Mano by Fundación BI
- Grupo MOMO Kem Ruk’q’ab
- Titana
- Wakami
- Near Sound
- Producciones Tres Mares
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- 5VIE district
- Guatemala
- Lake Atitlán
- Alta Verapaz
- Chinautla
- Antigua Guatemala
- Momostenango
- Spain
- Germany
- France
- Mexico