norberto miranda creates huge inflatable beans to host exhibitions in mexico

norberto miranda has inflated three giant beans in the central garden of papalotla in mexico. created to host music, science and cultural exhibitions for all ages, the inflatable structures have been formed to provide fun and entertainment to local residents. using the bean shape as the starting point of the design, the inflatables pay homage to mexican culture with their colorful patterned skins. 

image © maj lindström

the three beans are called ‘flor de mayo’ (may flower), ‘flor de junio’ (june flower) and ‘vaquita’ (little cow) and they host a travelling exhibition conceptualised and curated by norberto miranda, developed at estudio 3.14. a commission by montserrat mazariego – head of aprendiendo con cultura A.C. – the exhibition has an important educational component developed by laura bordes, who implemented a set of activities that transform information into easy-to-learn-facts and fun activities.

image © maj lindström

the content is categorised within three questions: how is musical sound produced? how is music transmitted? and how does music become legendary? basic principles of acoustics are experimented with in-situ, with some genre and technological evolution infographics that help inform visitors how music travels through time and cultures, aiming to trigger family discussion, especially regarding generational issues as well as male and female roles thanks to lyrics of folk and contemporary pop songs.

the beans viewed from above, image © norberto miranda

two artists were commissioned to develop work specifically for the inflatable structures: cristian franco, and ernesto romero. cristian developed a series of fake flyers to announce ‘concerts’ of dead celebrities of mexican folk music. the images conveyed the basic information of these songwriters’ bios within an ‘underground’ visual culture that could be more appealing to young audiences.

at night, interior light makes the beans glow, image © norberto miranda

on the other hand, ernesto developed his piece called ‘the constellation’ – a music improvisation with the use of LED lights to indicate the intensity of instruments being played. with 16 seats, the improvisation can grow to a large ensemble and become an attraction itself at the travelling museum.

the beans mix music, light and exhibition, image © maj lindström

exhibition entrance, image © norberto miranda

the constellation was media artist, ernesto romero’s commissioned art piece, image © maj lindström

laura bordes’s educational program featured a set of activities and interpretative tour for all audiences, image © maj lindström

visual artist christian franco’s proposal for fake concert flyers involving the main music celebrities of mexican pop folk songs, image © maj lindström

the beans in dialogue amid the surrounding architecture, image © norberto miranda

the culture kits were designed as ready-to-go art pieces ready to install, image © maj lindström

the beans attracted more than 3200 visitors from a town of 3800 inhabitants, image © maj lindström

project info:

director: montserrat mazariegos

production: gabriel valdez

art direction, concept, designer and curator of exhibition: norberto miranda

commissioned artists: cristian franco, ernesto romero, estudio 3.14

graphic design and production managing: mercedes macías

produced at publiglobos: ángelo félix, daniela uribe, josé morales

photography: maj lindström, norberto miranda

special thanks to: yasmin padrón, mónica ashida, leonardo díaz, gerardo sánchez, noé rodríguez, alejandra jaimes, omar nungaray, edgar piña, lorena peña, alaide alejandre, susana chávez y ericka blanco

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom