There’s no shortage of emerging contemporary artists and designers coming out of Mexico, and ÁUREA is proof of that. Presented by DIFANE, a multidisciplinary studio and gallery, the exhibition celebrates transformation and new beginnings. Featuring nearly 30 designers, artists, and creatives, it highlights the richness of Mexico’s design landscape and offers a fresh perspective on the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern design.
Inspired by the light and energy of the early morning, ÁUREA marks a new chapter for the studio, which is dedicated to supporting both emerging and established Mexican creatives, with a larger and more versatile space. “From the beginning, DIFANE was founded with the vision of becoming a platform that celebrates and propels Mexican talent,” Andrea Gadsden, cofounder of DIFANE, shares with Design Milk. “We saw a need for greater visibility and support for designers who often lacked the infrastructure to showcase and sell their work both nationally and internationally. Our new space embodies this mission – it is a place where creativity can flourish, and where designers can focus on their craft while we take care of the logistics, sales, and promotion. More than a gallery, DIFANE is a community. ÁUREA is the dawn of a renewed vision: to keep building this collaborative ecosystem and provide a space where innovation, craftsmanship, and identity converge.”
The ÁUREA exhibition features the work of designers Bibi Bibi Studio, Juan Alán González, Ricardo Rodríguez Elías, Edgar Orlaineta, Simón Hamui, Peca Studio, Lordag and Sondag, Colección Estudio, Xavier Lorand, Comité de Proyectos, Bandido Studio, Axoque Estudio, Ernesto Azcarate, Tributo Mx, Jazo Romero, Azotea, Ukma, Nuumbra Estudio, Andrés Gutierrez, Isabel Moncada, Ad Hoc, Taller Nacional, Ehecatl Moreno, Chuch Estudio, Rokam, and Encrudo, as well as artists Andrea Sotelo, Pilar de Ariño, and Pedro Magaña.
ÁUREA explors the connection between nature, raw materials, and creative awakening through a curated selection of handcrafted furniture, lighting, and art objects. Each piece embodies the essence of contemporary Mexican design, which Gadsden defines by its ability to seamlessly blend tradition with innovation. “It draws deeply from our cultural roots, artisanal techniques, and connection to nature – while reinterpreting these elements through a contemporary lens,” she reflects. “The result is work that is both timeless and forward-thinking, rich in narrative and bold in execution.” Through its collaboration with Estudio Actual, which helped shape the exhibition, DIFANE expands its vision, creating a unified experience where contemporary art and design meet.
The exhibition is just a taste of what’s to come from DIFANE. Looking ahead, the studio is preparing for the official opening of its showroom, what Gadsden deems “an exciting milestone that will become the heart of DIFANE moving forward. This space will allow us to present an ever-evolving selection of pieces and welcome new designers into our community. It will also serve as a hub for creative dialogue and collaboration, reinforcing our role as a connector within the Mexican design scene.” At the heart of it all, DIFANE will stay committing to amplifying Mexican talent – at home and abroad – through meaningful partnerships, creative storytelling, and exclusive launches. “At DIFANE, we’re deeply committed to shaping the future of Mexican design, and we’re just getting started.”
“The Ono Chair by Ukma redefines the relationship between material and movement through its fluid, sculptural form. 3D-printed using recycled polymer, the chair represents a seamless fusion of innovation, sustainability, and ergonomic function. Founded from a desire to make high-quality, sculptural pieces accessible, Ukma began with a simple goal: to create artful objects that elevate everyday spaces without compromising on design or price.”
“Part of the AURUM collection, the Aurum Sideboard by Peca Studio pays tribute to tradition, craftsmanship, and the inherent beauty of noble materials. Designed by Caterina Moretti and Karla Vázquez, the piece features sandblasted wood meticulously hand-gilded with 23-carat gold leaf, creating a radiant surface that evokes sunlight and warmth. This detailed process transforms each piece into a mystical object – where light, shadow, and materiality converge. Aurum is more than furniture; it’s an expression of reverence, designed to enchant and illuminate its surroundings.”
“The Fuego Cabinet by Tributo is a poetic exploration of transformation through material. Crafted from black-stained ash, volcanic stone, and copper sheets, the piece evokes elemental power and refined craftsmanship. The textured copper – shaped by heat – reveals a tactile, undulating surface that captures the eye and invites touch. Fuego is a sculptural statement rooted in contrast and harmony.”
“Inspired by pre-Hispanic architecture, the Tecale Console by Xavier Lorand blends historical reference with contemporary craftsmanship. Its solid travertine form evokes the monolithic beauty of ancient archaeological sites. Through close collaboration with expert marble artisans, Lorand developed a distinctive formal language rooted in timelessness and material integrity. The piece embodies a dialogue between tradition, permanence, and refined modern design.”
“The Basse Table by Juan Alan González is a sculptural fusion of fiberglass and brass, where form and material collide in a poetic balance of elegance and tension. Guided by intuition, the piece explores aesthetic values that suggest a deeper moral dimension in design. Its shapes and textures shift in a phenomenological way, inviting both playfulness and solemnity. Through the careful morphing of distinct materials, González creates a sensorial experience that is unexpected yet refined – bold yet contemplative.”
To learn more about the artists and creatives featured in the ÁUREA exhibition by DIFANE, visit difane.com and give them a follow at @difane.