At Frieze Los Angeles 2025, from February 20 to 23, the exhibition “Souvenirs of a Forgotten Past” hosted by SolidNature and Secrets of the Universe presents a unique tabletop installation. SolidNature, a luxury natural stone brand, collaborates with talented artists and designers to delve into the narratives of diasporas through sculptural objects made from stone, inviting audiences to reflect on identity and belonging.
The showcase, held at Luminaire’s Los Angeles showroom, features nine distinct pieces embodying the essence of souvenirs as memories captured in form. The artwork transcends its physicality as it highlights the diverse cultural backgrounds and migratory stories of the participating designers, sparking dialogue on the connections between places, identity, and personal histories.
The collection includes notable contributions from various artists: Jimenez Lai’s “A Guardian Monster,” inspired by Taiwanese ancestral practices, stands as a protective figure. Chris Adamick’s “Lenticular Vessel” reflects on his grandfather’s immigration journey from Poland. Additionally, Natou Fall’s “Souvenirs à Nous: Mother & Child” explores the evolving bond between mother and child through sculptural abstraction using various stones.
Stephanie Lin’s “Cloud Vase,” made from white marble, honours her grandmother’s talent in flower arrangement, while Saba Salekfard’s “Sofrah” reinterprets Persian traditions in tactile, fissured forms. Saba Yazdjerdi’s “The Qalamdan” delves into the tensions of cultural preservation against oppression, and Frank Clementi and Julie Smith-Clementi’s “E la Nave Va” captures the immigrant experience’s nuances.
Studio Gorm’s “Bath Stool” melds practicality with cultural elegance, and Chris Cornelius presents “Souvenir of Citizenship,” a thought-provoking sculpture reflecting the Indigenous American experience in the military—divided between the representations of war and peace, symbolising a rich tapestry of identity across time.
The “Souvenirs of a Forgotten Past” exhibition at Frieze LA 2025 showcases nine sculptural pieces by diverse artists exploring themes of diaspora through natural stone. The collection invites reflection on identity, migration, and the cultural journeys of its creators. Each artwork serves as a bridge between memory and identity, fostering discussions on belonging.
“Souvenirs of a Forgotten Past” serves as a poignant reflection on cultural identity by intertwining personal stories and artistic expression. The exhibition beautifully illustrates how objects can encapsulate heritage and experiences, bridging past and present. It invites viewers to engage in discussions about belonging and the journey of diasporas, ultimately celebrating the diversity of human narratives. The collective efforts of the featured artists pay homage to the intersections of memory, migration, and the profound connections between individuals and their histories, marking a distinctive moment at Frieze LA 2025.
Original Source: www.stirpad.com
