Héctor Esrawe's first US exhibition explores the artistry and heritage of Mexican creatives
Héctor Esrawe presents ‘Transmutation’, a sculptural series which nods to Mexico’s ancestral history in metalsmithing, on show at New York's Chelsea Gallery (until 25 April 2024)

With an embedded appreciation for artisanal processes, Héctor Esrawe is known for uniting architecture and contemporary design. Now, with his first solo exhibition in the US, ‘ Transmutation’ showcases his recent sculptural lights and tables ‘Gear’, which nods to his Mexican heritage, and the country’s artistry.
The showcase presented in New York’s Chelsea Gallery explores Esrawe’s mastery of metalsmithing practices, while also revealing three new ‘Gear’ pieces that have formed from conversation between the artist and gallery founder Melanie Courbet.
Héctor Esrawe presents ‘Transmutation’
Based in Mexico City, Esrawe hones in on the city’s crafts heritage, and unites other like-minded artists in a pursuit to keep the expertise of artisans alive. ‘Transmutation’ is a curated catalogue of Esrawe’s best work including lighting, furniture, and decorative objects, which are deeply rooted in Mexico’s ancestral history. Esrawe carefully intertwines modern techniques with time-honoured processes, which are tied together with reconceptualised materials.
‘Gear’ is inspired by patterns within mathematics, the intricate nature of geometry, and repeating sequences. As a result, the cardboard takes form a series of honeycomb cells, a pattern unique to Esrawe’s designs. The utilitarian sequence is hand crafted, and then cast in bronze or aluminium which elevates the seemingly rudimentary cardboard. The mixed-mediums give texture and dynamic movement to the designs, presenting the elegance that can be discovered within a common and accessible material.
Complimenting ‘Gear’, Esrawe will also display his ‘Parabola’ lights. The series adventures into the outcomes of how light interacts with metal surfaces, all on varying scales.
Héctor Esrawe’s ‘Transmutation’ is on display at Chelsea Gallery until 25 April 2024
Chelsea Gallery
134 Tenth Ave.NY,
NY 10011
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Hector Esrawe Ateliers Courbet Gear Side Table Bronze Aluminium
Tianna Williams is Wallpaper’s staff writer. When she isn’t writing extensively across varying content pillars, ranging from design and architecture to travel and art, she also helps put together the daily newsletter. She enjoys speaking to emerging artists, designers and architects, writing about gorgeously designed houses and restaurants, and day-dreaming about her next travel destination.
-
A new Athens gallery is a celebration of old and new, a stone's throw from the Acropolis
New Athens gallery Melas Martinos by Local Local is a contemporary art space, a stone's throw from the Acropolis, in the Greek capital's Monastiraki neighbourhood
-
Haute Couture Week A/W 2025: live updates from the Wallpaper* team
From 7-9 July, Haute Couture Week A/W 2025 arrives in Paris. Follow along for a first look at the shows, presentations and other fashion happenings, as seen by the Wallpaper* editors
-
Boundaries between art and life dissolve in Katherine Hubbard's intimate documentation of her mother's illness
In 'The Great Room', Katherine Hubbard merges caregiving for her mother with an unflinching documentary of the process