Los Trompos is a traveling art installation that consists of six colorfully woven, larger-than-life spinning tops located in the Outdoor Plaza at Galleria Dallas until September 30. Children and adults are invited to team up to rotate the tops and climb inside for a spin.
In Spanish, Los Trompos translates to “The Spinning Tops.” The colorful surfaces of each top are created in part by fabric woven in a traditional Mexican style. Functioning as both artwork and rotating platform, each sculpture acts as a gathering place for relaxation, social interaction and entertainment.
We chatted with one of the creators, Héctor Esrawe, about the installation.
What’s the inspiration behind this art installation?
The concept behind Los Trompos is based on an approach of traditional toys, their colorful expression and the way they are constructed. We wanted to talk about the traditions and skills of the craftsmen in Mexico, as an inheritance of our culture. We like the idea of translating these techniques into new symbols.
We like the idea of translating these techniques into new symbols used to create an interactive piece that is part installation, part furniture and part playground, a place where human connections are made. Los Trompos is a place of color and joy!
How were these pieces made?
The colorful surfaces of each top were created in part by fabric woven in a traditional style by Mexican artisans.
What do you hope guests feel when they interact with this installation?
By working together, visitors may spin the tops on their bases as they interact with the structures. “Only through this interaction and collaboration will the work come to life and be complete,” Ignacio Cadena (co-creator)
Only two or more people working together could make the tops spin.
What ages enjoy this installation most?
This installation isn’t exclusively for children; it’s also widely enjoyed by teenagers and adults. People of all ages find something to engage with, making it a space that resonates with everyone, regardless of their age.
How does this piece celebrate Hispanic Heritage?
The installation is inspired by nature and traditional Latin American design, architecture and folk art.
About the Team
Héctor Esrawe is the founder and director of Esrawe Studio, a multidisciplinary design studio that aims to develop furniture, interior design and architectural solutions for hospitality, cultural and residential projects. The studio’s creative essence is present throughout the entire process; a process perfected every day to offer new innovative concepts.
Ignacio Cadena is the owner and creative director of CADENA CONCEPTS®, a multidisciplinary firm with more than 20 years of experience imagining astounding solutions where design, innovation and creativity become real tools for transformation.
Esrawe + Cadena, with over 25 years of experience and an extensive and diverse list of clients and projects in Mexico, North, Central and South America, is more than a highly creative strategic-design-firm; We think of ourselves as a real multidisciplinary workshop that brings together design expertise, market experience, solid research, analysis and good old-fashioned creative talent. A Conceptual Laboratory offering total –Emotional Design– solutions through visual strategies for effective and unique product positioning and holistic design solutions.
Los Trompos was created by Esrawe + Cadena and is tour produced by Creos.
