Holy Light!

Maison Diez Company was born with the vision to create a space where the importance of lighting in our daily lives could shine. By converting a mansion into the epicenter of creativity and innovation in the world of lighting, this place has become the perfect canvas to exhibit products and stunning designs of international lighting brands and this edition was exactly that.

Hosted in the same location as before, in colonia San Miguel Chapultepec, the first thing that needs to be mentioned is the compete transformation of the space. Last year’s edition highlighted the empty pool of the gym that was once located there, and overall the space was split up in smaller sections. This time around, that all changed. To be able to transform a same spot into a completely different space speaks volumes of those involved as well as the importance of design.

*To access the main salon, we’re first greeted by a long dark corridor with two interesting art pieces.*

The first one, by artist Arturo Álvarez is his single sculpture version of his “Human chandelier”.
Carefully crafted is a human face made out of a metallic mesh, suspended between the light source and a wall, creating a shadow that intertwines with the sculpture. Depending where you see this from, the size and shape change, and while a shadow is the opposite of light painting, in this form it becomes the art. Superb!

The second interesting spot we see before the main attraction is a Caravaggio, renowned artist known for his baroque paintings and his dramatic use of light. His use of chiaroscuro, little did I know, would be present throughout the exhibit.

The painting is “Saint Catherine of Alexandria”. It’s a certified reproduction from the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid that was accomplished through an ultra high-res scan. This depiction and the subsequent ones are presented to the public in Mexico City for the first time, through a partnership with Galería Santa & Cole and Diez Company.
The painting is subtly lit by a rainbow beam, gracing Fillide Melandroni’s face and contrasting with color and light over the dramatic scene. It’s an analogy of what we’re to see: *a dialogue between the antique and the contemporary, juxtaposed and united by the use of light in art.*

Once the mood has been set, we’re presented with a black curtain and as we go through it, the space opens dramatically to a layout that reminds us of a church. High ceilings, benches flanking both sides of a main aisle, small windows letting in natural light that create a theatrical scene.

It’s an ode to art and a temple to light.

Another notable thing is the massive use of red, more specifically “Ardiente”, color of the year 2024 for Comex. It’s a shade that reminisces Mexican architecture, passion and tradition, building a bridge with it’s context, but also reminding us of Pompeian red and its range of tones. A color connected to many civilizations, art periods and simply a dominant color that will never go unnoticed.

One of the first pigments to ever be used for dyeing and painting, it evokes power, love, glory and many other deep symbolic meanings. Its use throughout this space is jaw dropping and creates the perfect backdrop for the huge reproductions placed around as well as a contrasting shade for the amazing luminaires showcased.

Thanks to the partnership with Galería Santa & Cole and the aforementioned museum, timeless art pieces from the renaissance, baroque and romanticism have been blown up into colossal proportions and visitors can appreciate them in full splendor. We can see “The Nymph of the Fountain” by Cranach, or the “Portrait of Mariana of Austria” by Velázquez, in sections and reframed in a contemporary manner.

Tom Dixon, who was recently in Mexico City and had a conference at Centro University, was present with a number of his “*Melt LED Pendant” in gold,* offering a stunning and unique silhouette.

Another interesting light fixture was that by Italian company Tooy, presenting its fragmented piece composed by different sections, that goes bye the name “Tratti”. The contrast of this contemporary design against one of the paintings presented makes you wonder what would these artists of the past think of the technological accomplishments of our era? How would our light sources have impacted scenes they masterfully depicted? What would their art look like today?

When observing “Easter Morning” by Caspar David Friedrich, presented with Bocci’s “Luminous Spheres” suspended in font like orbs, these feel like they are actores playing a part in the painting. Open to interpretation of course, but they can be fireflies, otherworldly beings or simply a node to hope, much like the moon among the foggy skies.
And so on, presented as altars to different saints, you go around the space to observe and explore art and design from two extremely different eras, but that somehow manage to work together and balance each other out, creating a beautiful and unique experience.

Since it's first edition, back in 2018, Maison Diez Company has become a highly anticipated event by design lovers and creativity enthusiasts. Every year, visitors from all over the world are submerged into a lighting experience that is unmatched, and this last edition was not the exception.

Can't wait for their next chapter!

“A jugar” exhibit - MUNAVI