Mestiz Opens a Vibrant New Studio Space in Mexico
In Fabrica La Aurora, Galerie Creative Mind Daniel Valero has introduced an appointment-only showroom that also serves as a new space for crafting larger-scale works
Daniel Valero has packed up his exuberant, sculptural wares and moved to a spacious new studio in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Valero, a Galerie Creative Mind, is the architect and designer behind Mestiz, a home furnishings brand founded 11 years ago, with all pieces made in collaboration with Mexican artisans using traditional techniques in very modern ways. His new studio is in Fabrica La Aurora, an art and design center housed in a former textile factory that dates to 1902; his neighbors are fellow makers, designers, artists, and galleries (most notably Skot Foreman Fine Art, whose roster and holdings include the likes of Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Alexander Calder, Robert Rauschenberg, and Salvador Dalí).
“This space was an opportunity,” noted Valero. “We can make larger-scale [works] here; we have a painting area where we experiment with colors and finishes; we even designed and built a loom.” The joyous space, which spans over 1,500 square feet, also functions as a by-appointment showroom. It’s filled with a range of Mestiz’ so-called “wild objects,” from furniture to rugs, ceramics, wall hangings, lighting, and Valero’s own graphic acrylic paintings. “We have a little bit of everything here,” he admits.
A woven sun hanging on the wall was a prototype for similar suns used in window displays Valero designed for Hermès. This marks his fifth year working for the age-old brand; he most recently designed a client room in the San Diego boutique. Woven flowers on a table are prototypes for a Casa Dragones installation; they’re surrounded by mock-ups for other projects.
And there are quite a few of them. In addition to the ongoing Hermès and Casa Dragones designs, Mestiz will launch a collection with Monoprix this month. Valero is the first Latin American designer to be tapped for the collection, which he calls a “full-circle moment, because ten years ago I studied textile design in Paris.” He’s conceiving an “elevated Mescal bar” in Mumbai and, later this month, will display a public installation in New York. “Twenty Petal Flower” is an altar produced in collaboration with Brooklyn-based Powerhouse Arts for Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Flatiron North Plaza. It will be on display from October 26–November 3.
Those who find themselves in San Miguel de Allende can make an appointment to visit the new Mestiz studio and showroom here. It is located in Gallery 2C, Fábrica La Aurora, Calzada de la Aurora S/N, San Miguel de Allende, San Miguel de Allende, México.