Tornasol Studio, founded by designers Inés Quezada and Inés Llasera, has introduced a new series of luminaires called KAUANI, inspired by native flora found in Mesoamerica. The name KAUANI is derived from the Nahuatl language, meaning “to flourish,” and the designs aim to celebrate the rich botanical diversity of the region.
Drawing inspiration from endemic species such as cacti, agaves, and corn, the KAUANI series incorporates elements of texture, pattern, and form found in these plants. Quezada and Llasera are particularly fascinated by the resilience of cacti, which can survive in extreme environments by adapting to long droughts and high temperatures. The designers explain how cacti’s unique features, such as their spines, water-retention capabilities, and nighttime photosynthesis, have influenced the intricate details of the luminaires.
The lanterns in the KAUANI series combine natural forms of fruit and botanicals with textiles, creating a harmonious blend of representation and abstraction. The designs feature knitted skins with delicate spikes, ruffles, or tentacles, resembling the textures of tropical fruits and seed pods. The lamps come in various shapes and sizes, from melon-like orbs to oblong structures, all suspended from the ceiling or placed on surfaces with slender supports.
For those in Mexico City, the KAUANI collection is currently on display in an exhibition titled Noches Árides at AGO Projects until May 15. To learn more about Tornasol Studio and their KAUANI series, visit their website and follow them on Instagram for updates.
The KAUANI luminaires offer a unique fusion of art, design, and nature, inviting viewers to appreciate the beauty and diversity of Mesoamerican flora in a new light. With their intricate details and organic forms, these lamps serve as a testament to the resilience and beauty of the natural world.
