POST COLOMBIAN

The reinterpretation of forms, the utopian and fictional vision of the world we live in, David Del Valle presents his new collection in the summer of 2023, proposing his own style, minimalist and provocative.

POST COLOMBIAN is a collection that invites us to reclaim our past without disregarding the present, adopting a forward-looking vision that celebrates Colombian culture and contributes to the historical dialogue from an anthropological perspective. This collection seeks to establish a connection between tradition and innovation, honoring cultural roots and projecting them into the future. We are proud to present this collection as a testimony to the power and relevance of Colombian and Latin American culture, contributing to enrich the global narrative on the historical and anthropological legacy of our humanity.

abstraction of a pre-Columbian figure of a Cacique, head of an indigenous community of Colombia, for the chair nn

A Paradigm Shift in Our Material Culture

The pre-Columbian stage refers to the period of time prior to Christopher Columbus' arrival in America in 1492. This stage encompasses thousands of years of history and is marked by the presence of diverse indigenous cultures and civilizations in the American continent.

Pre-Columbian objects pertain to the artifacts and items produced and utilized by these indigenous cultures before the arrival of Europeans. These objects vary depending on the geographic region and the specific culture to which they belong. Some common examples of pre-Columbian objects include:

Ceramics: Pre-Columbian peoples developed sophisticated techniques for creating decorative and utilitarian ceramics. Ceramic vessels could be used for storing food, water, or as ritual objects.

Sculptures: Pre-Columbian cultures crafted sculptures in stone, wood, and other materials. These sculptures depicted deities, human figures, animals, and other important elements of their worldview.

Jewelry: Elaborate personal adornments were produced using precious metals such as gold and silver, as well as semiprecious stones. These objects could be used as symbols of social status or for ritual purposes.

Textiles: Weaving was an important art form in many pre-Columbian cultures. Garments, blankets, banners, and other textiles were created, adorned with complex designs and patterns.

Stone artifacts: Stone tools and weapons, such as arrowheads, axes, knives, and mortars, were common in many pre-Columbian cultures. These objects were used for hunting, agriculture, and other daily activities.

METATE

Design process

History of Metate. Premio nacional Lapiz de acero 2023

David Del Valle's "Post Colombian" collection not only draws inspiration from the past but also disregards colonial influence, proposing an innovative vision for the future. This collection of contemporary object design redefines how we perceive Colombian material culture, challenging the traditional paradigm of how objects develop and fit into the history of the Latin American context.

Colombian designer David Del Valle presents the "METATE" collection, offering a unique perspective by linking the past with a vision towards the future. Through the creation of metate tables and chairs using various materials, the collection represents modern and ancestral possibilities and techniques, providing a platform to materialize ideas, designs, and thoughts from the design studio. "METATE" is not just a furniture collection but also a window to understand the city of Medellín.

From its inception, Medellín was conceived as an industrial production center rather than a residential environment. As a result, the industrial sector grew, and trades related to metallurgy and semi-industrial processes flourished. A notable example was vehicle repair, where industrial artisans (locally known as magicians) used to correct damages using machines and hammers they crafted themselves. This enclave attracted people not only from Medellín but also from other parts of the country, creating a community of automotive industry experts known for their high quality and attention to detail.

Today, when vehicles have an accident, most people prefer their insurance to take care of the repair, opting to buy parts instead of turning to local repair services. This has led to the decline of a craft that had developed over decades, and experts have been forced to seek other occupations where they are neither recognized nor rewarded as artists in the repair and manufacturing of parts. For this reason, the designer has focused on revitalizing this contemporary craft, allowing, through his designs, these expert hands to regain relevance in the current conversation about objects. Through his designs, David Del Valle not only speaks to the history and quality of the city but also highlights the incredible talents and human skills it harbors.

This video details the manufacturing process of the METATE design, aiming to highlight both the manual artistry of the design and the execution of tasks ranging from cutting paper or metal to drawing, welding, and engaging in numerous conversations. The design remains a hybrid process, blending manual and digital elements to bring the idea to life and establish a connection between the territory and consciousness. At each step, the meticulous combination of manual and technological skills enables the realization of the vision, emphasizing the interplay between traditional manual labor and contemporary digital tools.

Video creado por Realtape junto a David Del Valle