Nine artists and designers explore the concept of souvenirs as artifacts through the lens of their individual journeys in SolidNature's Souvenirs of a Forgotten Past exhibition.

Much of what can be experienced at NeoCon every June goes beyond new product releases, trend watching, and innovation. Personally, I favor the many installations and exhibits in occasion with the event that seemingly appear overnight ? and not only inside The Mart, but in Chicago’s surrounding design district as well. One such project that stands out beyond the trade show’s close this year is Souvenirs of a Forgotten Past, a collaboration between natural stone brand SolidNature and Secrets of the Universe, known for its experimental architecture, objects, and installations. Inspired by ephemera that bridges memory and moment, the tabletop installation and group exhibition invites attendees to explore cultural journeys shepherded by nine designers and artists from diverse backgrounds. What started as singular expressions of personal identity in stone quickly evolved into something more reflective of cultural cross-pollination in the making of a new world ? at a time when migrant voices need echoing. “As curators, we aim to highlight the beauty in both the stone pieces and cultural narratives,” re?ects SolidNature’s CEO, David Mahyari. “Moreover, our sourcing of materials from around the world mirrors how each piece inherently carries the essence of diverse...