A product designer by trade, Fernando Laposse specialises in transforming natural materials into elegant design pieces, often working with under-utilised plant fibres traditional to Mexico such as sisal, loofah and corn leaves. Laposse speaks with NGV Curator of Contemporary Design and Architecture Gemma Savio about his work featured in NGV Triennial, and his research into these materials and their historical and cultural ties to a particular location and its people.
About the speakers:
Fernando Laposse was trained in Central Saint Martins as a product designer. Fernando specializes in transforming humble natural materials into refined design pieces. His works are the result of extensive research which culminates into objects of ‘endemic design’ where materials and their historical and cultural ties to a particular location and its people take centre stage. He often works with indigenous communities in his native Mexico to create local employment opportunities and raise awareness about the challenges they face in a globalized world.
Gemma Savio is Curator Contemporary Design and Architecture at the National Gallery of Victoria.
