- Press Release -
For immediate Release
The Latin American Design Foundation announces ‘hOLAnDA 2003’ Original Latin American Design in Amsterdam
October 10-November 8 2003, Villa Arena, Amsterdam
New Latin American Design: Beat the blender!
Starting October 10, more than 100 new design products from Latin America in
the area of living are exhibited using 4000m2 in the Villa
Arena in Amsterdam. ‘hOLAnDA 2003’ is the first European overview
of Latin American Design. hOLAnDA 2003 shows top designers like the MOMA-present
Brazilian Campana Brothers and the Mexican prize winner Mauricio Lara, next
to new talents from Colombia, Argentina or Brazil, represented by a new design
of Carla Tennenbaum that is created by a traditional technique delivering very
colorful oval carpets.
The exhibition shows that Latin American Design constantly challenges the blend
of cultures from which it originates. Elements of European heritage, native
Indian roots and modern American classics are taken out of perspective and creatively
mixed. A lack of funds or the use of available natural materials and craft skills
lead to new solutions. Involvement with the local environment creates new products
with awareness of the limitations of natural resources and the traditions of
craftsmen. Humor, passion and a different use of colors make this blended design
a class of its own.
Time and Location: perfect
match
The largest living mall in Europe, Villa Arena in Amsterdam, is the perfect
location for hOLAnDA 2003. During the marvelous living weeks (Waanzinnige Woonweken)
in the Villa Arena, many new products will be shown to the public, setting the
scene for this exhibition and creating a good opportunity for shoppers and design
lovers to get an overview of possibilities for the new season.
Highlights of the exhibition
Next to the new Celia-line of the Campana brothers with the use of composite
materials, you’ll find Argentinean design with leather details from Strata
Design. Alexandra Parodi from Uruguay designed a foldable and recyclable cardboard
bed, suitable for urban nomads, flexible families and design lovers. Turning
toilet cleaners and traditional egg baskets into bright lamps is the contribution
of Mauricio Lara. Worth visiting is the paper jewelry from Colombia and Mexico,
combining elegant design and bright colors. Highlights of the ‘Costa Rica
Chill Out Collection’ will be shown, created in a surprising collaboration
between designers and native craftsmen.
The goal
of the Foundation
The goal of the Foundation for Latin
American Design is to study the origin and development of Latin American
Design and to promote and diffuse the products created by Latin American designers,
especially for those who respect the ethical, moral and environmental effects
of their work. The foundation actively supports education and promotion of those
professionals. To enhance their reach, the foundation stimulates cooperation
between Latin American Designers and Latin American producers and craftsmen.
To achieve its goals, the foundation assembles funds, organizes events and exchange
programs to collect and spread knowledge about Latin American Design.
The board of the foundation is formed by professionals in the field of Latin
American Design and experts in business development. The foundation works with
a network of ‘editors’, locally present in many Latin American countries
and recognized authorities in design. They develop the local designers’
network in their country and support to achieve the foundation’s goals.
Sponsors of the Exhibition
Federal Express (Fedex) made it possible for all designers in Latin America to send their products to Amsterdam. Villa Arena Amsterdam and Corio worked intensily together with LADF to provide the location and facilities, as well as publicity. The site is hosted a by Villa Hosting, who sponsored mail and FTP-facilities as well. Springtime Industrial Design provided time, energy, paint and a 1000 little things for setting up the exhibition. Mediaeval Vorm & Visie provided funding, time and great support and Zakken- en Pallethandel De Boer provided materials to set up the exhibition.
People
hOLAnDA 2003 could not have been organized without all people that have been spending time and energy in it. The board, advisory board and the participating designers are the first to mention. But also the more than 30 different volunteers dressing up the exhibition, doing administrative work, calling people, baby sitting, cleaning, towing and all other jobs made the difference between failure and success. In totall, more than 160 people are directly involved with hOLAnDA 2003.