In a world where rapid change often overshadows the wisdom of the past, “DIALOGUES” emerges as a celebration of collaboration, where tradition and innovation meet to shape a new design language. This exhibition showcases five unique collections, each the fruit of a rich dialogue between one Designer and one basket weaver that accepted the challenge to marry contemporary design with the time-honored craft of basketry, re imagining utilitarian pieces with a fresh and innovative spirit.
As part of Passa Ao Futuro’s ongoing mission to preserve the future of Portuguese craft wisdom, Passa Ao Futuro has arranged a series of five residencies under the umbrella Plant Based Design Residency. Taking place across 2024, each residency paired one contemporary designer with one Portuguese craftsperson specialising in a generations-old basketry technique.
The “Dialogues: Plant Based Design” exhibition reveals the fruits of these collaborations, drawing visitors into the full creative journey, with an emphasis on material, the craft and design processes, and the final products. The exhibition illustrates the power of collaboration, with products representing unique conversations between past and present, material and form, utility and beauty.
Participating designers and craftspeople include:
Sam Baron with Nuno Henriques and Sónia Henriques of Toino Abel, specialising in soft rush
Christian Haas with Domingos Vaz, specialising in cane
Joana Astolfi with Sónia Mendez, specialising in palm
Toni Grilo with Abilio Pereira, specialising in basket willow
Henrique Ralheta with Isidoro Ramos, specialising in esparto weaving
Each collaboration was a true knowledge share, with each partner deeply invested in the wisdom and experience of the other. These residencies celebrate the knowledge of the collaborators and facilitate the understanding of modern possibilities for traditional skills, helping to usher these skills into the future.
photo: Inês Silva Sá / Passa Ao Futuro