"Objects of Desire: A Study of Transition" explores how the symbolic value of objects has changed over time, influenced by social conditions and historical events, particularly colonization. This booth examines how items once valued for their spiritual or practical significance have taken on new meanings through cultural shifts. Colonization dramatically altered the meaning and value of these objects. European influences transformed pearls and natural stones into symbols of status and wealth, while cacao, once essential to indigenous economies, became a mere commodity. These changes reflect a broader transformation in how societies assign value to objects, reshaping their significance over time.

Mexican artist Luis Rentería draws on these historical transitions in his textile works. By incorporating pearls, volcanic and green stones—materials long valued in mesoamerican cultures—he invites us to question how and why objects gain and lose meaning across different eras. His textiles honor the cultural heritage of these materials while reflecting on their shifting significance.

Two textiles seem to belong to the same undefined and timeless region. Although their exact purpose has been lost to time, it is believed they may have been used to generate energy or provide protection.

The first piece, cataloged as 03.07.11, is made from a warp of Mexican cotton and copper thread, the first metal ever worked by humanity. It also includes white horsehair and beech wood, a species native to Europe. In this piece, the Americas and Europe intertwine organically. The textile is adorned with pearls and serpentine beads, a green stone highly valued in ancient Mesoamerica. The threads and beads establish a rhythm that evokes the idea of silent reading.

The second piece, identified as 03.17.21, is closely linked to the first but is larger and emits a different energy. In this textile, ixtle has been dyed pink using cochineal, a small insect that lives on prickly pear cactus paddles. It includes volcanic stone beads, pearls, and walnut wood. Both textiles share a tubular structure that houses a glass object. In some regions of Mexico, this object was placed under the base of furniture to protect people from dangerous insects like spiders and scorpions, as their legs would slip on the glass, preventing them from climbing.

Renteria envisions a future where his textile pieces are rediscovered, with only the objects themselves left to tell their story. Drawing from the tradition of cataloging ancient textiles that we examine today, Renteria contemplates how his works might be interpreted by future generations, inviting a dialogue between the past and the present through the language of materials and craftsmanship.

"Unveiling Beauty in Chuao" is a photographic series by Venezuelan artist Silvana Trevale, created as part of her commission for the PhotoVogue Festival. This body of work takes us deep into the heart of Chuao, a remote village on Venezuela's Caribbean coast, where cacao cultivation intertwines with tradition and community.  
Trevale’s journey begins with a deliberate pursuit of beauty, leading her across oceans and rainforests to reach this hidden enclave, accessible only by boat. Chuao’s colonial charm, framed by its lush landscapes and anchored by a vibrant square where cacao is dried under the sun, becomes the stage for Trevale’s exploration of artistry and heritage.  

The series captures the essence of Chuao’s women, whose dedication to cacao cultivation embodies a blend of contagious enthusiasm and respect for the land. Their artisanal methods reflect a commitment to fairness and environmental integrity, transforming everyday labor into an expression of pride and resilience.  
Through her lens, Trevale elevates the mundane to the sublime. Her images celebrate not only the physical beauty of the cacao harvest but also the cultural and spiritual essence of Chuao, a place where time slows, and every detail holds profound meaning.  
”Unveiling Beauty in Chuao” invites viewers to reconsider modern beauty—not as fleeting or superficial, but as something deeply rooted in connection, tradition, and purpose. This series highlights Trevale’s remarkable ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. 

This booth at SWAB highlights how objects protect, define, and enchant us, with their symbolic value evolving over time. Through Rentería’s one-of-a-kind textile piece and Trevale’s evocative photography, viewers are invited to reflect on how the meanings of objects are shaped by history, culture, and societal shifts.