RRRES: Narrative stories of the land and its people
PRODUCTION: Ademán
product photography:
Rrres
text: Sofia Arredondo
In the vibrant heart of Oaxaca, Mexico, a design studio emerges that blurs the lines between art, craftsmanship, and contemporary design: RRRES. This project, spearheaded by Javier Reyes (originally from the Dominican Republic) stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between art and local artisans. It serves as a bridge between the rich cultural heritage of Latin America and international design trends.
The genesis of RRRES lies in the personal experience of Javier Reyes during his stay in Europe. As a designer from the Dominican Republic, he felt an urgent need to reconnect with his roots while living in a culturally foreign environment. Mexico naturally presented itself as an option, and Oaxaca, with its vibrant artisanal tradition and cultural wealth, emerged as the ideal place for this creative reunion.
The name RRRES, a deliberately meaningless word, reflects their philosophy of challenging labels and brand conventions. In Catalan, "res" means "nothing." However, for this studio, the term transcends its semantic void to become an inclusive space where artisans, artists, and designers converge, uniting creative minds in a synergy that goes beyond a simple label or brand.
Each piece created is a tangible manifestation of the profound connection between the designers and the artisans. Using traditional techniques and local materials such as wool, cotton, palm, and clay, they generate products that are both unique and representative of Latin American identity. Hand-woven wool by artisans brings life to tapestries and rugs that evoke places and traditions. Recycled cotton, worked on pedal and backstrap looms, takes shape in the hands of a fifth-generation weaving family. Palm pieces, hand-woven, combine ancient techniques with modern structures to create sculptures that challenge the limits of form and function. And clay, 100% natural and locally sourced, transforms into vases and sculptures that narrate the stories of the land and its people.
INTERVIEWER
What you brought in to Rrres from the Dominican Republic?
RRRES
Half of the project, I think is my way of merging my background, Dominican Republic, with Mexican craftsmanship, but also in my effort to have a better understanding about Mexican culture I started to see a common language, similarities. Mostly people, the way we are, socially. I have felt this in other countries in Latin America, I feel we share a history were we can relate easily, social struggles, massive state corruption but over all music that we all can dance to.
INTERVIEWER
The feminine shapes in your vases.
RRRES
A lot of the series I find a lot of the inspiration and direction of the designs based on the people I work with, in this case. Leticia, she is the ceramist I work with and a lot of the pieces are interpretations, like a feeling, the way I perceive her.
INTERVIEWER
What is your current obsession?
RRRES
Currently working on series based on sound systems and music. I'm a music creating library, mainly cassettes and LP records of cumbia, merengues, salsa, guaguanco, bachata and other similar genres. Super obsessed with find out a lot unknown artist.
What you brought in to Rrres from the Dominican Republic?
RRRES
Half of the project, I think is my way of merging my background, Dominican Republic, with Mexican craftsmanship, but also in my effort to have a better understanding about Mexican culture I started to see a common language, similarities. Mostly people, the way we are, socially. I have felt this in other countries in Latin America, I feel we share a history were we can relate easily, social struggles, massive state corruption but over all music that we all can dance to.
INTERVIEWER
The feminine shapes in your vases.
RRRES
A lot of the series I find a lot of the inspiration and direction of the designs based on the people I work with, in this case. Leticia, she is the ceramist I work with and a lot of the pieces are interpretations, like a feeling, the way I perceive her.
INTERVIEWER
What is your current obsession?
RRRES
Currently working on series based on sound systems and music. I'm a music creating library, mainly cassettes and LP records of cumbia, merengues, salsa, guaguanco, bachata and other similar genres. Super obsessed with find out a lot unknown artist.
In each work, color plays a central role, reflecting the vibrant essence of Mexican culture and, by extension, all of Latin America. The vivid colors and intricate patterns evoke images of lucha libre, the Oaxaca fretwork, and bustling markets, capturing the essence of tradition without being literal. The intention is for each viewer to interpret and connect with the pieces personally, while always recognizing the soul of Latin America within them..
Javier Reyes describes his arrival in Mexico as a homecoming, despite the historical differences between the Dominican Republic and Mexico. The warmth and colorfulness of the people and environment offered him an immediate and profound connection. This personal experience is reflected in each creation, where Reyes and the artisans meet halfway, combining their skills and visions to bring to life works that are half design, half tradition.
RRRES is not merely a design studio; it is a space where cultural heritage and contemporary design meet, generating pieces that are both folkloric and minimalist, subtle and colorful. It is a tribute to collaboration, respect for traditions, and innovation, demonstrating that beauty and authenticity arise from the dialogue between the past and the present, between the land and art.
Javier Reyes describes his arrival in Mexico as a homecoming, despite the historical differences between the Dominican Republic and Mexico. The warmth and colorfulness of the people and environment offered him an immediate and profound connection. This personal experience is reflected in each creation, where Reyes and the artisans meet halfway, combining their skills and visions to bring to life works that are half design, half tradition.
RRRES is not merely a design studio; it is a space where cultural heritage and contemporary design meet, generating pieces that are both folkloric and minimalist, subtle and colorful. It is a tribute to collaboration, respect for traditions, and innovation, demonstrating that beauty and authenticity arise from the dialogue between the past and the present, between the land and art.