Launched in 2021, Unno Gallery stems from a very clear idea: to bring the works of Latin-American designers to the attention of the global design and art community. An objective that could only be achieved by digital means.
“Unno Gallery is driven by a deep passion for design and the desire to create a space where art and creativity can prosper, beyond conventional boundaries,” says the founder Maria Dolores Uribe. “The gallery has been created with a mystical vision, where design is seen not only as a functional or aesthetic practice, but also as a powerful form of expression that connects the physical and spiritual dimensions. The roots of this initiative lie in the conviction that design is a universal language.”
So universal that starting in 2022 Unno Gallery has broken out of digital boundaries to organize four events of international importance, the last of which was presented during Design Week 2024 in Milan.
In 2022 the gardens and terraces of Casa Ortega in Mexico City hosted “Ritus, Rituals of a Contemporary World,” with works by Deceres Studio, Estudio Persona, and the installations of Alberto Oderiz; that same year, the 10th iteration of Nomad Circle in Capri featured the presence of the “Lava” collection by Habitación 116, inspired by Mexican volcanic materials, and the contemporary works of C.S. Nuñez; in 2023, during Mexico City Art Week, the Unam welcomed the project “Poesia en pedra,” with creations by Rodrigo Pinto, Ohla Studio, Ian Felton, Abel Carcamo and C.S. Nuñez.
For the latest Milano Design Week, at Via Palermo Unno Gallery presented a group show with Origen, featuring Latin American artists like Mark Grattan, Estudio Persona, Habitación 116 and Andrea Vargas Dieppa. The focus was on some of the gallery’s main themes: the ancient myths and narratives that shape the origins of humankind, addressing concepts of life, death and dualism.
“A digital showcase provides a continuing platform of engagement that enables us to keep our clients interested and connected, reaching a global audience that includes people who cannot participate directly in the major design events,” Uribe continues.
“We try to choose events involving our presence to obtain high visibility, with the opportunity to interact and to construct relationships with designers, collectors, curators and interested viewers. It is also important for these events to be in line with our artistic vision and philosophy. The designers we choose are those who not only demonstrate exceptional talent and workmanship, but are also in tune with our vision of design. These are people whose research leads not only to the creation of beautiful and functional items, but also to an exploration of traditional crafts techniques, while experimenting with new materials and methods.”
Like Andrea Vargas, the talented Colombian designer. “We’ll be launching him during the next Milano Design Week,” Uribe announces. “I am very enthusiastic about his unique vision and his ability, seen on an international stage.”
