Fernando Laposse is a designer who is reshaping the future of craft, moving beyond the traditional boundaries of style and material. His work, which often begins with humble plant matter, is a testament to the power of design to drive rural regeneration and challenge societal norms. Laposse's practice is deeply rooted in the communities he works with, particularly in Tonahuixtla, where he has created a micro-economy centered around corn husks and agave fibers.
One of the key aspects of Laposse's work is his challenge to the notion of craft as a survival mechanism or a cheap commodity. In Latin America, where he is from, craft is often associated with poverty. However, Laposse seeks to redefine this perception by elevating the results of local craftsmanship and changing the preconception that craft has to be something done for survival or at a low cost. This is achieved through his innovative use of materials and his focus on agriculture as the site of innovation.
Laposse's Totomoxtle project is a prime example of this. He uses corn husks to create a veneer-like surface that is cut and assembled like marquetry, forming furniture and wall surfaces. This material is not just a design element; it is a way to preserve heritage corn varieties and provide an alternative source of income for farmers. By doing so, Laposse builds a micro-economy that moves away from the grain as the only economic value of corn, instead focusing on the husk as a design material and the field as part of a wider production system.
The process behind Totomoxtle is slow and agricultural, with the work beginning months before the final piece is seen in a gallery. Laposse documents this process to create transparency and bring a human scale to the project. He believes that statistics about deforestation, erosion, and migration can become abstractions, but by putting faces and personal stories to these issues, viewers can feel more empathy.
Laposse's work with agave fibers further expands this thinking. He has worked with agave as part of a wider reforestation strategy, planting it across eroded slopes where its roots help retain water and soil. Instead of harvesting the whole plant for tequila, mezcal, or syrup, the fiber is taken by pruning the leaves, which helps the plant grow healthier and faster. These fibers are then used to create tactile wall pieces, sculptural dogs, and fur-like armchairs, with strands that are combed and knotted by hand.
In conclusion, Fernando Laposse's work is a powerful example of how design can drive rural regeneration and challenge societal norms. His innovative use of materials and focus on agriculture as the site of innovation have created a micro-economy centered around corn husks and agave fibers. By redefining the perception of craft and bringing a human scale to his projects, Laposse has created a lasting impact that goes beyond the gallery walls.
