Colombian Magic at Nohra Haime Gallery

The Nohra Haime Gallery in Chelsea transformed into a vibrant celebration of Colombian creativity last night with the opening of "Colombian Magic," a captivating pop-up exhibition running March 6-9. Visitors were treated to a multisensory experience showcasing the rich artistic diversity of contemporary Colombian culture. Special thanks goes to Karen Moreinis, who collaborated with the Gallery on this pop-up and brought the Colombian artisans.

The exhibition features Pedro Ruiz's thought-provoking "Displacements" paintings addressing social displacement and environmental concerns, Juliana Bravo's exquisite fish-inspired jewelry crafted with traditional techniques, Ruby Rumié's powerful multimedia works exploring social justice themes, Nina Toro Palma's artisanal NNT Lab perfumery collection capturing Colombia's diverse landscapes through scent, and VERDI's meticulously hand-crafted handbags representing generations of textile innovation. Together, these artists and designers demonstrate Colombia's unique ability to address complex social realities through works of extraordinary beauty and craftsmanship.

Pedro Ruiz’s Displacements series: Stunning Florals

Two powerful works by Pedro Ruiz, one of Colombia's most important artists, are included in the paintings on display from his acclaimed "Displacements" series:

Travelers - Viajeras, 2024 This piece reflects on those forced to flee their homeland due to conflict and war in Colombia. Gallery Director Maria Paula Suarez explains: "It reflects on people who have to leave their lands because of conflict and war in Columbia but they take away with them the richness and the memories. These memories can travel with them – that's why it's called travelers." The work emphasizes how despite physical displacement, individuals carry their culture, identity, and memories—an internal richness that cannot be taken away.

Love is a Many Splendored Way, 2024. This striking depiction of a poppy field addresses the controversial practice of fumigating poppy crops. Ruiz juxtaposes the natural beauty of the flowers with the ominous presence of gas, creating a visual tension between aesthetic beauty and destructive reality. The piece invites viewers to look beyond surface beauty to contemplate deeper questions about human choices, environmental impact, and where love exists amid adversity.

Both works exemplify Ruiz's signature approach of addressing challenging social and political issues through visually compelling imagery while emphasizing humanity's complex relationship with nature as an uncontrollable force we must live in harmony with.

Juliana Bravo: Delicate and Unexpected Fishes

Juliana Bravo Design's exquisite fish-inspired jewelry collection captivated attendees with its stunning craftsmanship and artistic significance.

Her distinctive technique of meticulously molding fine gold and silver threads has established her unique reputation among Colombia's fashion and art enthusiasts. Each piece represents more than mere adornment—it's a delicate amulet born from the artist's drawn memories and experiences, transformed into three-dimensional art through collaboration with skilled artisans from the Sinú and Mompox basin who infuse the pieces with protective and sacred energy.

The collection garnered particular attention for its remarkable fish rings, which generated significant buzz at the opening reception for their unprecedented design. Also featured were various necklaces, ranging from delicate fish pendants to an elegant cascading silver fish outline that formed a striking long necklace.

"The collection draws inspiration from Gabriel García Márquez's masterpiece "One Hundred Years of Solitude," specifically referencing the gold fishes given by the character to his sons." commented curator Karen Moreinis. These fish motifs initially symbolize Aureliano's artistic nature but evolve to represent his broader impact on the world.

As a conscientious brand, Juliana Bravo emphasizes sustainability by utilizing recycled raw materials from the medical and electrical industries, crafted in 925 Sterling Silver, balancing artistic expression with environmental responsibility.

NNT Lab Perfumery

Founded by 24-year-old Colombian entrepreneur Nina Toro Palma alongside her mother, NNT Lab represents a fresh approach to perfumery built on passion and purpose. This innovative brand offers a collection of artfully designed, genderless, hand-blended signature fragrances that tell stories through scent. Their perfumes are inspired by people, places, nature, and fine art that resonate with Nina, with raw materials sourced from Grasse, the global perfumery capital on the French Riviera, while the final products are meticulously crafted by skilled hands in Colombia.

NNT Lab's "Journey to Colombia" collection showcases the country's diverse natural landscapes and cultural heritage. Each fragrance captures a distinct Colombian essence - from floral and oceanic notes to earthy, spiritual scents reminiscent of the Amazon rainforest. As Nina explains, "I think that perfumes are a perfect accessory that you can choose depending on the weather, on your outfit, on how you're feeling." Their Medellín-inspired fragrance evokes the "City of Eternal Spring" with its distinctive floral notes, while their Bogotá perfume recreates the warm, inviting atmosphere of traditional homes with fireplace elements. With a concentration of 35% oil, these perfumes offer exceptional longevity compared to conventional fragrances. Though focused more on marketing than formal perfumery chemistry, Nina has cultivated a brand that prioritizes slow perfumery as a thoughtful alternative to mass-produced commercial scents, with each bottle handcrafted with care and attention to detail.

Verdi Handbags: Jewel Toned Bags to Make you Shine

The VERDI Mochila has established itself as a compelling emblem of Latin American craftsmanship and cultural heritage. These exquisite handbags reinterpret traditional artisanal techniques with a contemporary sensibility, creating timeless pieces designed to be cherished and passed down through generations. Each mochila represents the perfect marriage of heartfelt tradition and exceptional skill, capturing the essence of Colombian artistry while appealing to discerning global tastes.

The meticulous creation process behind each VERDI handbag speaks to the brand's unwavering commitment to quality and luxury. Every piece requires approximately 15 days of dedicated hand-knitting by skilled Colombian artisans, resulting in unique textural masterpieces that showcase extraordinary attention to detail. These are not merely fashion accessories but genuine heirlooms - tangible testaments to the enduring value of slow fashion, authentic craftsmanship, and cultural preservation in an increasingly mass-produced world.

Seashell Gold, Copper and Blush Pink bucket bags from Verdi handbags

The brand's rich heritage traces back to Carlos Vera Dieppa, a visionary pioneer in Latin American textile design. In collaboration with a local coffee-sack weaver, Vera Dieppa developed a groundbreaking weaving technique that intertwined local, organic threads to create distinctive fiber-rugs. His innovation reached revolutionary heights when he customized his looms to incorporate metal threads, establishing a transformative legacy in textile artistry. In 2010, following their father's passing, siblings Tomás and Cristina Vera Dieppa honored his artistic contribution by revitalizing his craft through a renewed brand concept. They named the enterprise "VERDI" as a touching tribute derived from their father's surnames: Vera Dieppa. Today, the brand continues to celebrate Colombia's warm traditions while evolving the extraordinary technical legacy that Carlos pioneered decades ago.

Ruby Rumié's: Depicting the Women of Colombia

Ruby Rumié's multifaceted artistic practice spans painting, sculpture, photography, video, and installation, creating powerful work that explores themes of injustice, psychology, and the impact of modernization on ordinary people's lives. Based in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, Rumié finds her conceptual inspiration in the historic neighborhood of Getsemaní, where she meticulously documents and analyzes the effects of gentrification and so-called progress.

Her approach redefines the artist's role, moving beyond aesthetic and poetic revelation to actively engage with social and psychological issues through creative expression. Rumié's artistic journey began with hyperrealistic portraits of Cartagena's inhabitants before evolving to incorporate broader questions about social and territorial heritage, and the artist's responsibility to society.

Her methodology blends cartography, census-taking, and archival techniques with community engagement and sociological research, positioning her work at the intersection of aesthetic creation and social activism. A notable example is her project "Hálito Divino" (Divine Breath), which empowers women who have experienced domestic violence by amplifying their voices. As Rumié herself powerfully states, "What is unknown cannot be loved and we do not take care of that we do not love, so I make visible what is worth being known."
Pop-Up runs through this Weekend Only!

This limited time pop-up is this weekend only at the Nohra Haime Gallery from 10am - 6pm through Sunday, March 9. If you've been look for a new fragrance or that perfect new accessory to spice up your spring wardrobe this is the perfect opportunity to acquire something no one else will have!