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Stone Archive Explores the Volcanic Origins of Its New Lighting

04.17.23 | By
Stone Archive Explores the Volcanic Origins of Its New Lighting

The Stone Archive installation, created by Mexican lighting brand davidpompa, will explore the volcanic origins of a new light sculpture series – Ambra Toba – at Alcova during Milan Design Week 2023. The collection combines ancient stone with aluminum, but the stone isn’t one you might stumble across on your own. Mexican Toba volcánica stone consists of minerals, glass, and volcanic debris that was created one million years ago during eruptions. Debris, ashes, and dust – Toba volcánica is millions of years speaking to us today through texture.

uncarved stone

stone detail

The combination of stone and aluminum elements originated after researching the bond between handmade shapes and industrial parts. In partnership with the geological department of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), an investigation into the origins of Toba volcánica gave further insight as to why it’s widely used in Mexican culture.

installation with tall orange cabinets

The Stone Archive installation took the project further. The space captures and connects science, aesthetics, culture, and materiality, allowing visitors to pause and visualize time in a tangible way. Tall, archival shelves filled with stones, folders, and prototypes allow the Ambra Toba light sculptures to connect with their evolution in the midst of the exhibition space. Visitors are even invited to take a single archive folder with them when they leave.

stone and aluminum sculptural table lamp

Alongside the Ambra Toba lighting series, Stone Archive includes a wide range of collaborations sharing the same discourse. Visitors will experience research of the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the work of Dutch microphotographer Wim van Egmond. Mexican chocolate manufacturer Cuna de Piedra will be present at the installation’s “Terroir Milan” event, held April 19th. Design studio SAVVY, filmmaker Wolf Lass, Portuguese fashion brand Naus, food designer Philipp Kolmann, and writer Alexander Slotnick are also part of the installation.

stone and aluminum sculptural table lamp

stone and aluminum sculptural table lamp

stone and aluminum table lamp

stone and aluminum sculptural pendant lamp

stone and aluminum sculptural pendant lamps

stone and aluminum wall lamp

stone and aluminum wall lamp

stone and aluminum wall lamp

stone and aluminum sculptural pendant lamp

stone and aluminum lamp

stone and aluminum lamp

installation with tall orange cabinets

installation with orange work table and pendant lamps

Stone Archive will be part of the itinerant Alcova platform during Milan Design Week, and is located in the former slaughterhouse in the historical quarter of Porta Vittoria Abattoir, at Viale Molise, 62. The installation can be viewed April 17-23, 11am-7pm. To learn more, visit davidpompa.com.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.