Open Fires

Liliana Ovalle and the Mexican Colectivo 1050­º developed a collection of ceramics with black smoked finishing using materials locally sourced in Oaxaca, now on show in Paris.

Open Fires features the latest explorations by Liliana Ovalle and Colectivo 1050­º around the firing process used in vernacular ceramics in Oaxaca.

The project comprises a variety of exercises where clay pieces are fired in particular geometric setups created with sand, dung and agave leaves. Each composition acquires black traces of smoke and coal, a permanent imprint of the fire they were exposed to. An initial open fire, traditionally used in the region, hardens the pieces and makes them stable. In the second stage Ovalle worked closely with the artisans creating different setups for individual contained fires to imprint a black smoked finishing. All the materials used in the clay and the firing process are sourced locally by the artisans.

Liliana Ovalle and Colectivo 1050­º, Open Fires, Great Design gallery

Open Fires, was shown in London last September at the London Design Week 2015 and it is for the first time presented in France. The artisanal shaping and the simplicity of the lines of Liliana Ovalle objects resonate particularly with the line of Great Design collection. The solo exhibition is accompanied by a series of illustrations portraying the making process. The prints were produced specially for the occasion as a gallery edition.

Liliana Ovalle and Colectivo 1050­º, Open Fires, Great Design gallery
Liliana Ovalle and Colectivo 1050­º, Open Fires, Great Design gallery
Liliana Ovalle and Colectivo 1050­º, Open Fires, Great Design gallery


until 20 February 2016
Open Fires
a project by Liliana Ovalle in collaboration with Colectivo 1050º
Great Design Gallery, Paris