Integrating tradition into modern life
Inspired by Mexican cuisine culture, especially a short documentary film about one small cacao farm in a rural area in Mexico, Apilar is a set of chocolate moulds. Ancient Maya was among the first group of Mesoamericans who began to consume cacao. Nevertheless, Chocolate is considered exclusive gourmet dessert worldwide without much of its intriguing history.
Cacao was not a simple ingredient for food consumption among the Aztecs, but also the seeds were known to be a form of currency. Therefore, it was the symbol of the wealth and sacrifices to the god. The main idea is to combine sacred Aztec architecture with historically rich Mexican chocolate to celebrate bountiful Mexican culture.
As a result, 4 different sizes of Aztec temples were created then double-sided silicone moulds were made out of them. Particular ancient Aztec temples that were built up on the previous building influenced this shape. Instead of demolishing an antecedent building, the Aztec created intriguing several layers of buildings. Colorful silicone moulds will be displayed as sculpture in different sizes, which can be stacked. In addition, they can be used as chocolate moulds.
Apilar
This project was created by Ä as a part of a group exhibition with other students from various nationalities in Aalto University. Tutored by a Mexican designer Sara Casillas Pereyra, each student has developed one product inspired by Mexican culture. Local Mexican chocolate producer collaborated the chocolate making process for a multi-sensory exhibition in Mexico City in September 2015.
Info
Year:
2015
