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From volcanoes to the Alps – when Mexican design meets Swiss expertise

17/2/2025

Translation: Patrik Stainbrook

Paulina Reséndiz is committed to conscious, sustainable designs rooted in tradition. In her gallery, Basalto Collective, she presents beautiful pieces with a deeper connection to the cultural identity of her home country.

At first glance, Mexico and Switzerland might seem far apart, but they share more traits than you might think. Both countries have a love of quality artisan design, a deep knowledge of materials and techniques and a passion for innovation. These similarities formed the basis for last year’s exhibition Echoes. It overcame geographical borders and deepened the cultural exchange between the two design dimensions. This was the first exhibition by Paulina Reséndiz, whose gallery Basalto Collective in Zurich aims to promote Mexican design while building bridges with Swiss designers.

This year, the Mexican works at Basalto Collective are exhibited together with South African art in the Zurich gallery Anthracite. It’s where I met Paulina in person to find out more about her work as a curator and her guiding design principle.

To what extent does the name Basalto Collective embody the philosophy of the gallery?
Paulina Reséndiz: basalt, «basalto» in Spanish, is a robust volcanic rock found all over the world. However, it’s particularly firmly anchored in Mexican culture. It’s been used there for centuries – for «molcajetes», as an example, traditional stone mortars. The name Basalto is particularly fitting because it embodies the idea of showcasing Mexican designs that can be enjoyed the world over. Collective underlines our collaborative approach, with many designers involved.

Paulina Reséndiz, curator and designer, founded Basalto Collective in November 2023 to combine contemporary design with cultural heritage and traditional artisan design.
Source: Pia Seidel

How did you get into design?
As a kid, I enjoyed making things with my father, particularly technical toys like small cars. I actually wanted to study engineering at first, but then, one day, he brought me an inspiring design book from Milan. That fascinated me and showed me how versatile design can be. It’s why I decided on industrial design – I love practical work.

Have you ever thought about taking a different career path?
Of course! I wanted to study architecture because it’s so rational and number-based. But who knows, maybe something will come of it in the future. It’s important for me to work with the right people – you don’t have to be able to do everything yourself. At Esrawe Studio, for example, I worked closely with architects. We developed furniture for cool projects such as hotels and the Chrysler Building in New York. It was great to see how design and architecture merge together.

It’s important for me to work with the right people – you don’t have to be able to do everything yourself.

The Alma Nueva vase by Ayres, artfully crafted by hand from marble, bears witness to the unique designs of Puebla, Mexico.
Source: Pia Seidel

Hand-carved from a single lava stone, the Fusina fire bowl by José Bermúdez impresses with its organic shape. — The Alma Nueva vase by Ayres, artfully crafted by hand from marble, bears witness to the unique designs of Puebla, Mexico.
Source: Pia Seidel

Familiar and yet difficult to categorise: Andres’ ceramic designs fascinate with their tactile appeal, arousing curiosity and inviting individual interpretations.
Source: Pia Seidel

What do you do when you lack inspiration?
When I run out of ideas, I like to travel and visit trade fairs, even if they can sometimes be overwhelming. Museums are also great. One of my best trips was to the Tate Museum in London with my sister – I got lots of new ideas there. I value enjoying the moment and being open to new impressions, since there’s always something new to discover.

What was the last exciting design piece you saw?
A richly decorated, handcrafted cabinet in the MAC Museum in Vienna. An impressive example of Baroque craft.

Which contemporary design direction do you think is here to stay?
I think that intended design – i.e. a conscious and well thought-out way of designing – should definitely remain, no matter what trends are currently in vogue. Designers are paying more attention to sustainability and customised pieces instead of mass production. One example are the small works by Federico Stefanovich, created from leftover material from his chandeliers. It’s great that these creative minds are aware of their own use cycle and make something of their resources.

I think that intended design – i.e. a conscious and well thought-out way of designing – should definitely remain, no matter what trends are currently in vogue.

The Artefacto sculptures by Federico Stefanovich are made from waste from his own workshop. They captivate with playful compositions embodying balance and harmony.
Source: Pia Seidel

Comité de Proyectos’ wooden cabinet Carmen symbolises the instinctive act of giving and receiving care.
Source: Pia Seidel

It combines carved wood and hand-turned metal handles. — Comité de Proyectos’ wooden cabinet Carmen symbolises the instinctive act of giving and receiving care.
Source: Pia Seidel

End the sentence: «All designs should…»
be made with intent. In a flood of new designs, it’s up to us designers to conjure real added value. At Basalto, I present pieces that tell stories and remind us of their meaning. When creative minds produce locally in small workshops, it’s about more than just design – it’s about preserving traditions, technique and communicating messages. Comité de Proyectos, for example, takes responsibility by transforming important social and feminist issues from difficult parts of Mexican history into artful, locally crafted works to spark conversation.

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Pia Seidel

Senior Editor

Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.ch

Like a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.

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