EDIT #3 Neo-Nomads
Collectible design inspired by Greek mythology, a nomadic gallery, Berlin Mole and more
Welcome to Edit #3 of ISLAND POST.
Happy new year and for those who just joined (nice to have you!): this is a mental escape in the form of a newsletter, in which I want to share bits of what I love: the stories of people I meet, unique places and design(ers) I encounter, tales of my travels, food, music, films and more. Delivered to your inbox monthly.
In this Edit: A nomadic gallery for collectible design, a sculptural designer inspired by Greek mythology from Mexico, Mole, Tlayudas & very good wine at ITA Bistrot in Berlin and an olfactory heaven in Berlin Neukölln.
Francesca <3
GALERIE PHILIA
Galerie Philia by now is one of the big names in regards to contemporary sculptural design. The gallery was founded by two brothers who share a passion for art, literature, and philosophy. It represents emerging and established designers and artists across its galleries in Geneva, New York, Singapore and Mexico. The gallery boasts a nomadic exhibition programme, taking the form of group and solo exhibitions in unique locations around the world. During recent travels, I have visited ‘Desacralized’ in an old deconsecrated Milanese church exploring the concept of desacralisation as well as ‘Antipodes’ in Mexico City, showing works created with stone that explore an ancient synergy between humans and rocks. Another project that I adore is their kids residency. Philia Kids is a not-for-profit initiative working in collaboration with international designers with the aim to inspire, connect and engage children worldwide with design. If you have a chance to visit one of their permanent or nomadic exhibitions, it is absolutely worth it.
GALERIE PHILIA gallery
COLLECT ANDRÉS MONNIER
Andrés Monnier is a young Mexican artist who creates sculptural objects, experimenting with fire, rock, glass, concrete, wood, and metal. Rock became his signature material, and in 2021, he held his first exhibition entitled "Olympo", inspired by Greek mythology. Each piece is a tribute to the essence of a myth. For example, "Prometheo Uno" (bottom left in the image) is a sculptural fire pit that portrays the place where the fire Prometheus gave to humans first appeared. I saw his work in Mexico and loved that it is full of texture and rawness, it has something primal and essential. And the more I read about Andrés, the more interested I am in his work. Read about his inspiration and motivation in this interesting interview, and follow his account for upcoming exhibitions.
ANDRÉS MONNIER sculptural artist | ANDRÉS MONNIER collectible design
MOLE AND TLAYUDAS AT ITA BISTROT
Somehow, I didn't really have the concept of Mole on my radar before my first trip to Mexico – wow, what a miss. I'm all the happier about ITA Bistrot in Berlin now. They serve regional, seasonal, Latin-American-inspired wood-fired cuisine. Think chicken or lamb with Mole, Tlayudas - a crunchy maize cracker with delicious toppings from Oaxaca - and much more. The restaurant is small, easygoing, cool, and charming. On top of that, they have a fantastic wine menu.
Where: Berlin Helmholtzplatz
ISLAND WINE FROM TENERIFE: TRENZADO (TRY AT ITA OR AT HOME)
I discovered Trenzado at ITA, and it is absolutely delicious. It possesses the typical minerality and saline notes characteristic of an island wine. Since its inception in 2006, this small family winery has focused on the use of native varieties, traditional systems, and minimal interference. Try, try, try.
SUERTES DEL MARQUÉS Winery | TRENZADO Shop
COPAL AND OTHER OLFACTORY PLEASURES AT RYOKO BOUTIQUE
When you enter RYOKO, you step into a bit of a parallel universe. It’s one of those places where time stands still, and before you know it, an hour has passed. In this boutique, you'll find incenses, utensils for smudging, traditionally used for burning sage, sweetgrass, and cedarwood, as well as ceramics and other treasures. You can attend tea ceremonies and get your own olfactory creations, ranging from oils to perfumes to tinctures and incense. The place is absolutely worth a visit if you live in Berlin or on your next trip there. Thankfully, there's also an online shop for you to browse and get a taste of this wonderful place in Neukölln.
RYOKO senses salon | RYOKO online boutique | Boutique: Friedelstrasse 11, Berlin
GIVEAWAY
Win a set of natural incenses including Copal, White Sage and Japanese charcoal from RYOKO.
This newsletter edit has touched upon Mexico, and nothing reminds me of Mexico more than the smell of Copal. Copal is a resin that is used by the indigenous peoples of Mexico and Central America to purify energy, aura, spaces and objects. More practically it is also often used as a mosquito repellent. It is a powerful scent that oscillates between notes of pine and lemon.
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