VICÚS Collection: Resin Sculptures Echo Ancient Peruvian Ceramics
Barón&Vicario, in partnership with Peruvian architect Domingo Seminario De Col, has introduced the VICÚS collection. This innovative project draws inspiration from the historical VICÚS culture of northern Peru, exploring the intricate connections between materials, their origins, and their transient nature through a contemporary design lens. The collection seamlessly blends the design traditions of Mexico and Peru, highlighting shared craftsmanship and material heritage. Within this framework, design acts as a conduit for cross-cultural dialogue, bridging ancient references with modern manufacturing techniques. Resin, a signature material for the brand, serves as the primary medium for this artistic reinterpretation. In the VICÚS collection, resin transforms the visual and tactile qualities of traditional clay into luminous, translucent forms, distinguished by controlled geometric shapes and polished finishes.
The collection's pieces are deeply influenced by the sculptural essence of pre-Hispanic ceramics. They reinterpret the proportions and symbolic presence of these ancient artifacts through the principles of symmetry and abstraction. The volumes strike a balance between solid and transparent elements, accentuating their weight, outline, and equilibrium. The color palette—featuring shades of turquoise, earthy tones, charcoal, and ochre—evokes the natural pigments historically associated with ceremonial objects, thereby reinforcing a profound link to ancestral material culture. Domingo Seminario De Col's personal connection to the VICÚS heritage, particularly his grandfather's role in preserving and promoting VICÚS ceramics, adds a layer of continuity, merging personal narratives with broader cultural histories.
Produced in the Barón&Vicario workshops in Mexico, the VICÚS collection embodies a dualistic approach: it is both ancient and modern, ritualistic and everyday, opaque and translucent. Through its material reinterpretation and disciplined geometric forms, the project positions design as a vehicle for cultural preservation, where each piece carries historical significance within a contemporary context. This collection is a testament to the enduring power of ancient art forms to inspire and transform modern aesthetics.
This collection exemplifies how design can honor the past while forging new paths for the future. By reinterpreting cultural heritage through innovative materials and techniques, artists and designers can create works that resonate with both historical depth and contemporary relevance. It celebrates creativity as a bridge between different eras and cultures, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of human artistic expression and fostering a sense of continuous innovation.