SolidNature and Secrets of the Universe Present "Souvenirs of a Forgotten Past" at Luminaire Los Angeles | 20-23 February 2025

Los Angeles, February 20, 2025 – Following the success of its group exhibitions and Luminaire Chicago during NeoCon in June 2024 and Luminaire Coral Gables in December 2024, Souvenirs of a Forgotten Past now arrive in Los Angeles. Presented by natural stone brand SolidNature in collaboration with experimental architecture and design group Secrets of the Universe, this tabletop installation and group exhibition will be on view at Luminaire Los Angeles from February 20 to 23, coinciding with Frieze Los Angeles. ​ For its showing in Los Angeles, the exhibition will feature an exclusive new piece, marking a fitting conclusion to its journey in the US. 

The installation will also highlight the craftsmanship and expertise of SolidNature, a leading force in the world of natural stone. Known for its innovative approach to materiality, SolidNature has collaborated with renowned designer Sabine Marcelis on large-scale site-specific installations in Milan, London and Amsterdam, that push the boundaries of stone’s aesthetic and functional potential. Beyond these artistic explorations, SolidNature has also partnered with OMA on several standout installations at Milan Design Week over the years, including the award-winning exhibition ‘Beyond the Surface’ in April 2023, which transformed massive stone slabs into a dramatic narrative about time and transformation. These collaborations reinforce SolidNature’s ability to merge technical mastery with artistic vision, bringing a new dimension to contemporary design. 

Secrets of the Universe reimagines the concept of souvenirs, moving beyond trinkets and photos to explore citizenship and cultural identity in the 21st century. Souvenirs of a Forgotten Past brings together nine artists, each of whom is now based in the United States but originally from around the world, to craft stone souvenirs that bridge past and present. As SolidNature’s first small-scale art collection, the exhibition uses design to highlight the connections and contrasts between cultures. ​ Through personal narratives, these artists create a powerful reflection on migration, both modern and historical. 

"Our prompt was to reflect on the meaning of a souvenir, particularly in the context of relocation and cultural migration,” explains Secrets of the Universe. “We wanted to explore how these small objects can encapsulate the essence of two or more cultures coming together in a new environment.” 

For the first time in its exhibitions, Souvenirs of a Forgotten Past will include the piece designed by Chris T. Cornelius of Studio Indigenous. Cornelius’s contribution “Souvenir of Citizenship” is a 3-dimensional timeline mapping out The Oneida Nation’s participation in U.S. Military conflicts. Inspired by the art of Haudenosaunee, which is a deeply symbolic fusion of craftsmanship and cultural identity expressed through beadwork, basketry, carving and ceremonial objects, Cornelius tells the story of what he calls “a nation within a nation.”

Bureau Spectacular’s “A Guardian Monster” is a gentle giant that guards the souls of the dead while harbouring their names. It is inspired by the ancestral worship practices of Taiwan, where Spectacular was born. Chris Adamick's “Lenticular Vessel” explores the perspective of his Polish immigrant grandparents through the imagery of early twentieth-century advertising. 

To capture the ever-changing dynamic between a mother and her child across different cultures, Natou Fall abstracted Senegalese totems of mother and child and the Deleuzian definition of a face to create “Souvenirs a Nous: Mother & Child.” A vessel that only holds a few stems at a time, Stephanie Lin’s “Cloud Vase” is a landscape designed to pay tribute to her Taiwanese grandmother. 

Saba Salekfard's "Sofreh" reimagines the iconic Persian saffron mortar and pestle, transforming it into a cohesive stone piece that invites tactile engagement. Saba Yazdjerdi’s "The Qalamdan" reinterprets the traditional Persian pen case, symbolizing the tension between cultural preservation and the struggle for free expression.  

Smith-Clementi (Frank Clementi and Julie Smith-Clementi) explores the composite nature of American identity through a reflective, dual-themed piece inspired by Venice, "E la Nave Va." Studio Gorm (Wonhee Arndt and John Arndt) elevates the bathing ritual into a ceremonial act with "Bath Stool," a stone stool that combines traditional and modern elements.

"Souvenirs of a Forgotten Past initiates a profound cultural exploration through the lens of design," reflects SolidNature's CEO David Mahyari. "Each designer chosen to participate brings a unique background, resulting in a diverse array of creations" Mahyari observes, highlighting the project's rich tapestry of diversity. "As curators, we aim to highlight the beauty in both the stone pieces and cultural narratives," he adds. "Moreover, our sourcing of materials from around the world mirrors how each piece inherently carries the essence of diverse backgrounds," Mahyari concludes, encapsulating the global resonance of the installation.

For the first time, SolidNature explores small-scale objects, expanding its expertise beyond stunning residential, hospitality, site-specific installations and retail designs. Known for innovation and craftsmanship, the brand continues to set the standard in natural store, showcasing its versatility while collaborating with creatives to share meaningful messages and express those through its wide range of manufacturing skills.

The exhibition, made possible through collaboration with SolidNature, provides access to extraordinary raw materials, state-of-the-art fabrication technology, and unparalleled expertise to bring each designer’s vision to life. Souvenirs of a Forgotten Past debuted at Luminaire Chicago during NeoCon 2024, offering attendees a thought-provoking exploration of cultural heritage and the power of design. After the Chicago launch, the installation embarked on a journey across the United States, making stops at Luminaire in Coral Gables, Florida, and at Luminaire Los Angeles for the last stop of its US tour. 

NOTES TO EDITORS

Exhibition Details

20 - 23 February 

Luminaire Los Angeles 

8840 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048, United States

Preview Cocktail

February 20, 2025

6pm - 8pm

Luminaire Los Angeles 

8840 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048, United States

About Secrets of the Universe

We are Secrets of the Universe, for experimental projects, objects, and installations. Our purpose is to explore emerging themes in culture through the lens of commerce by pairing a select group of artists, architects, and designers with specific businesses to probe a common idea. Through these intentional pairings, we can generate meaning in ways neither party would have cause to do on its own, thereby illuminating possible futures and expanding the potential and wonder of our world. As a byproduct, businesses whose markets do not allow for experimentation are given a platform to develop in a high-value, low-stakes environment and potentially expand their presence into new markets. Artists, architects and designers are given the opportunity to broaden the scope and subject matter of their work and an opportunity to directly engage with commerce in exciting and unfamiliar ways.

About Luminaire

A pioneering force in the design world, since 1974. Luminaire is more than a furniture showroom. It is an interactive design research center, a playground for the soul, and an esplanade for discovery. Simultaneously, a classroom, gallery, laboratory and playground – Luminaire is most importantly a place of discovery, not just for design but how we can use it to accentuate and improve our lives. Partnering with Interni to form a Global Design Network that highlights the excellence of Italian and international design, while guaranteeing the same extraordinary Design Experience from Milan to Dubai, Miami to London.https://luminaire.com/