Open Studio & Artist Talk - Alejandro Puentes Amézquita - Gladstone House Artist-in-Residence

The OCAD U International Programs & Collaborations Office, in partnership with Gladstone House, is excited to welcome Colombian designer Alejandro Puentes Amézquita for a month-long artist residency at Gladstone House.

Coming Up at Gladstone House:

1.Open Studio 

 Saturday, July 20th – Sunday, July 21st from 10:00am - 7:00pm

During his residency at Gladstone House, Alejandro is developing "Biodesigned Readymades," a project inspired by Marcel Duchamp that transforms everyday items like chopsticks into intricate, nature-inspired systems. Visit his open studio to see how he reimagines biomimicry by crafting modular structures that mimic natural processes such as movement and growth.

2.Artist Talk 

Wednesday, July 24th - 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Join Alejandro for a compelling artist talk where he will discuss his "Biodesigned Readymades" project and share insights from his research. Learn how he leverages common objects to explore biomimicry and solve design challenges through nature-inspired solutions. Alejandro’s distinguished career, including his roles in major design projects and his background in architecture and interactive technology, ensures an engaging discussion on innovative and sustainable design.

Events will take place at Gladstone House

1214 Queen St W, Toronto, ON

Robinson Room

Project Description

During his residency, Alejandro will focus on developing "Biodesigned Readymades."

Inspired by Marcel Duchamp's Readymades, this exhibition reimagines biomimicry by repurposing everyday objects to mimic natural processes. Showcasing innovative structures crafted from chopsticks and chopstick helpers, the exhibition features modular systems that emulate nature’s strategies, such as movement and growth.

Visitors will witness how these simple, accessible materials are transformed into complex, nature-inspired systems. By manipulating chopsticks and their helpers, Alejandro aims to demonstrate the potential of everyday items to solve design challenges through biomimicry.

"Biodesigned Readymades" celebrates the ingenuity of repurposing common objects, encouraging exploration and creativity. This exhibition reveals the profound potential of nature-inspired design solutions, inviting viewers to see everyday materials in a new, innovative light.

About Alejandro Puentes Amézquita

Alejandro has a distinguished career in both academia and practice. He is a full time professor at Universidad del Rosario’s Faculty of Creative Studies where he explores new modes of interaction between people, materials, and technology. He also is the Principal of Buró 3, an architecture design studio. He led the Planning and Design Group of Bogota’s Secretary of Education, worked as a Physical Designer at Local Projects, served as adjunct Faculty at Universidad de los Andes’ School of Architecture and Design, and was a founding partner of 4H–an architecture and urban design firm. He has won first place in design competitions such as the Colombian Pavilion for Expo Shanghai, the CAFAM Water Park, and the Music Practice Building for Universidad de los Andes. He earned his Master’s degree from NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP) and holds a BArch and a Minor in Economics from Universidad de los Andes.