Amalgame Studio
The Netherlands
The light sculpture TEFRA by AMALGAME will be present during COLLECTIBLE NY 2024. «Tefra,» the Spanish term for «tephra,» refers to the material ejected during a volcanic eruption. Paying homage to pre-Hispanic cultures that considered volcanoes as sacred abodes of the gods, this sculptural lamp evokes the slopes of a divine and dormant volcano. Raised on a four-leaf clover-shaped base, it recalls the intricate patterns found in the windows and architectural ornaments of the city of Guadalajara, perpetuating the lasting influence of Spanish colonial aesthetics in Mexico. Tefra transcribes these forms carved in volcanic rock, used for millennia as a construction material in the region, contemplating the various facets of tradition, indigenous beliefs, and colonial history that shape the landscape and cultural heritage of Mexico.
Amalgame is a collaboration between French artist-designers, Marine Col and Emmie Massias, founded in Guadalajara, Mexico. Our work is based on a synergy of research, experimentation, and manufacturing, in connection with territories and material cultures. An amalgam is a mixture of elements, often an alloy of mercury and another metal. The expression "to make an amalgam" is often used to refer to a misleading generalization or a confusion. For us, these meanings illustrate our way of merging our diverse influences by combining the forms, materials, and techniques encountered in our visual practice. The Amalgame studio highlights the contrasts and contradictions between raw materials and creation processes, thus exploring their textures, treatment techniques, and the stories they carry.