LABINAC

LABINAC emerged in 2018 as a design collective founded by renowned artists Maria Thereza Alves and Jimmie Durham, alongside Kai-Morten Vollmer. Rooted in a deep commitment to supporting indigenous craftsmanship in Latin America, LABINAC was conceived as a platform for both designing and creating objects and advocating for the artistic traditions of indigenous communities. 

Expanding Horizons: LABINAC's Evolution and Collaboration

The trajectory of LABINAC reflects the personal and artistic evolution of Alves and Durham, who have traversed continents and cultures together. From Mexico to New York, Marseille to Berlin, their journey has been punctuated by artistic collaboration and a shared passion for creating domestic objects that blur the line between art and utility. 

Drawing inspiration from the natural world, Alves and Durham breathe life into inanimate objects, transforming raw materials into evocative sculptures that speak to our interconnectedness with the environment. Whether it's rivers reborn as tables in the ethereal "Luminous Companionship 1" (2021), insects metamorphosed into seating in the whimsical "Spiderchair" (2019), or clouds crystallized into vibrant glass vases, their creations serve as poignant reminders of humanity's deep-rooted connection to the natural world, echoing the ethos of indigenous cultures.

With a roster of collaborators including Elisa Strinna, Jone Kvie, and Victor Santamarina, LABINAC expands the horizons of design while interrogating contemporary notions of art and its intersection with indigenous cultural heritage.