Kauani: Noches áridas

The latest collection by Kauani stems from an in-depth observation of xerophytic plants endemic to the Americas. Inspired by the forms and functions of cacti, Inés Llasera and Inés Quezada introduce a series of lighting designs that reimagine these biological structures, translating the morphological expressions of this botanical family into textiles.

Cacti symbolize resilience. Adapted to extreme environments, they endure long droughts, and high temperatures, and develop ingenious survival strategies. For instance, their spines not only serve as a defense mechanism but also condense water and create a protective layer. Their pale pigmentation, resulting from waxes that insulate their tissues, and their water-retention capabilities grant them unique volumetric forms. Unlike most plants, cacti perform photosynthesis at night, closing their stomata during the day to conserve water and nutrients. It is in darkness that they truly “breathe.”

This exhibition pays tribute to these adaptations, reinterpreting them through form, texture, and material. Each piece highlights the symbiotic relationship between cacti and light—a guiding force that, in this proposal, comes alive in the shadows. Elements such as stems, spines, areoles, and stamens inspire these lighting sculptures, recreating organic rhythms and vernacular textures. The interplay of densities—from delicate fibers to cotton-like surfaces and spiked structures—imbues the collection with dynamic expression. The shapes of the lighting pieces are as varied as the cacti themselves. Towering and slender or rounded and robust, they appear to float within a warm ambiance that echoes the earthy tones where these plants thrive. Suspended without visible metal supports, the pieces celebrate the absence of the molds that formed them, offering a warm, subtle light that accentuates their ethereal quality. This project explores the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern technologies, fusing knitted textiles with botanical-inspired designs that honor the beauty of organic and symbolic patterns.