At the MARCO Museum in Monterrey, Mexico, the DECODE Group Show “Sal & Pimienta” captivates visitors with a fresh take on everyday salt and pepper shakers, transforming them into stunning works of art.
Curators Alexis Del Toro and Jorge Diego Etienne have brought together more than 60 designers, each bringing their unique vision to reimagine these ordinary kitchen staples.
Through a diverse mix of materials and artistic techniques, the exhibition tells rich cultural stories while pushing the boundaries of traditional design.
Cultural Significance of Salt and Pepper
For centuries, salt and pepper have held prominent places in both culinary practices and cultural history.
Salt’s crucial function in preserving food and pepper’s esteemed reputation as “black gold” highlight their importance in trade and luxury dating back to the 17th century.
Their collaboration in French cuisine was a game-changer, solidifying their status as essential dining partners.
The Sal & Pimienta exhibition draws on this extensive heritage, inviting designers to reframe the concept of salt and pepper shakers, viewing them not just as functional objects but as vessels of personality, cultural heritage, and social identity.
Innovative Designs and Materials
The exhibition showcases the talent of diverse designers, leading to a vibrant and eclectic presentation.
Some showcase local craftsmanship through techniques like ceramics, wood carving, and metalwork, grounding their creations in regional traditions.
Others delve into deeper themes of cultural identity and duality, using their designs to explore more abstract ideas.
A shared commitment to innovative materials runs throughout the exhibit.
Visionary artists craft their pieces from bioplastics, repurposed metals, and 3D-printed ceramics, illustrating how even the most commonplace items can represent change, sustainability, and storytelling.
Celebrating Design and Food
“Sal & Pimienta” highlights DECODE’s mission to elevate design as a cultural and economic force.
Founded in 2013 by the dynamic duo Jorge Diego Etienne and Alexis Del Toro, DECODE fosters collaboration within Mexico’s creative sector through exhibitions, workshops, and conferences.
The show culminated in a special auction to support Museo MARCO, further bridging the gap between groundbreaking design and Monterrey’s flourishing cultural scene.
Ultimately, “Sal & Pimienta” celebrates the intersection of design and food.
By transforming simple tableware into artistic expressions, the exhibit challenges audiences to reconsider the significance of design in their daily lives.
It serves as a reminder that even the most ordinary objects can carry deep stories and meanings, urging us to appreciate the art that surrounds us every day.
Source: Designboom