DIALOGUES, Plant Based Design

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, reimagining utilitarian pieces with a fresh and innovative spirit.

At the heart of each collection lies a deep respect for the ancient techniques passed down through generations. These are more than just objects; they are stories, interwoven with the hands of Artisans who have mastered the art of basketry, and the Designers who bring a modern lens to this craft. Together they have created pieces that reinterpret the traditional crafts.

Each collection in “DIALOGUES" represents a unique conversation between past and present, material and form, utility and beauty. The Designers and Artisans have explored the possibilities of plant-based materials, weaving ideas that challenge our perceptions of function and aesthetics. The results are collections that are as versatile as they are beautiful, offering new ways to experience the everyday.

This exhibition is a reminder that innovation does not exist in isolation; it thrives when rooted in the deep soil of tradition. “DIALOGUES" offers a glimpse into a world where the past and the future are woven together, creating a rich tapestry of possibilities for what design can be.

These residencies were organised in the context of the Made in Platform for Contemporary Crafts & Design project, co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union. It also received generous local support from De La Espada, Companhia das Culturas, Loulé Criativo - Municipality of Loulé, Esporão and Municipality of Barcelos.

This exhibition is dedicated to Fatima Durkee (1981 - 2022) co-founder of Passa Ao Futuro. Without her dedication, resilience and love, none of this would be possible.

Astrid Suzano 
Co-Founder Passa Ao Futuro

CREDITS

Artisans
Abílio Pereira
Domingos Vaz
Isidoro Ramos
Nuno Henriques & Sónia Henriques (Toino Abel)
Sónia Mendez & Susana Mendez

Designers
Christian Haas
Henrique Ralheta
Joana Astolfi
Sam Baron
Toni Grilo

Organization & Coordination
De La Espada & Passa Ao Futuro

Curated by
Astrid Suzano (Passa Ao Futuro) 

Exhibition Layout
Passa Ao Futuro & Catarina Carreiras

Exhibition Set Up
De La Espada
Catarina Carreiras
Passa Ao Futuro

Texts
Astrid Suzano (Passa Ao Futuro)

Graphic Design
Catarina Carreiras (This Must Be the Place)

Photos
Inês Silva Sá & Jenna Duffy

Videos
Inês Silva Sá 

PR
O Apartamento

Acknowledgments
Armando Ribeiro
André Silva
Daniela Abrantes
Eglantina Monteiro
Fatima Durkee
Fernando Vaz
Luis de Oliveira
Pedro Machado
Rui Falcão
Susana Mascarenhas
Vasco Águas

All the pieces presented in this exhibition are made to order.
See more info on the collections here.

Passa Ao Futuro would like to reiterate its gratitude to De La Espada, not only for its continuous support and participation in the process of these residencies, but also for inviting Passa Ao Futuro to present the results in the inaugural exhibition of Galeria De La Espada in Porto.

This exhibition was organised in partnership and with the support of