from hammers to rockets, DECODE's group show presents salt & pepper shakers with a twist

sal & pimienta opens at marco museum, monterrey

At MARCO Museum in Monterrey, Mexico, the DECODE Group Show, Sal & Pimienta, elevates one of the most familiar pairs in culinary tradition — the humble salt and pepper shakers — into symbols of artistic expressions. Curated by Alexis Del Toro and Jorge Diego Etienne, the exhibition brings together over 6o designers to transform these everyday objective through diverse materials, techniques, and cultural narratives. Their interpretations range from explorations of artisanal techniques to experimentations with new technologies, ranging from ceramics to biomaterials. Highlights include a flippable hammer-shaped vessel, a modular kit that invites personalization to the seasoning experience, and a duo of whimsical tabletop character companions.

all images courtesy of DECODE

over 60 designers reimagine the humble culinary companions

Salt and pepper have long held pivotal roles in gastronomy and culture. Salt was indispensable for food preservation, while pepper, often referred to as ‘black gold,’ symbolized luxury and trade power. Their pairing in French cuisine during the 17th century marked a significant turning point, establishing their role as essential table companions. DECODE’s exhibition takes inspiration from this rich history, challenging designers to interpret salt and pepper shakers beyond their utilitarian purpose. These objects, central to the dining experience, become tools of personalization, reflecting traditions, social status, and individuality.

The featured designers come from diverse disciplines and approaches, resulting in a dynamic collection of works. Some embrace regional craftsmanship, incorporating techniques such as ceramics, wood carving, and metalwork to root their creations in local traditions. Others take a more conceptual route, using the salt and pepper shakers to explore abstract themes such as cultural identity and duality. A recurring theme in many of the designs is material innovation, with pieces crafted from bioplastics, recycled metals, and 3D-printed ceramics. These approaches demonstrate how even the simplest objects can be transformed into symbols of progress, sustainability, and storytelling.

the exhibition reinterprets salt and pepper shakers through innovative materials, techniques, and cultural narratives

decode reconsiders the role of design in our everyday lives

The Sal & Pimienta exhibition reflects DECODE’s mission to elevate design as a cultural and economic force. Founded in 2013 by Jorge Diego Etienne and Alexis Del Toro, DECODE fosters collaboration among Mexico’s creative industries through exhibitions, workshops, and conferences. This third edition culminated in an auction to support Museo MARCO, further reinforcing the connection between design and Monterrey’s cultural heritage.

‘At its heart, Sal & Pimienta explores the intersection of design and gastronomy, demonstrating how even the smallest objects can encapsulate profound narratives. By turning mundane tableware into artistic expressions, the exhibition invites audiences to reconsider the role of design in their daily lives,’ notes the DECODE team.

the exhibition includes interpretations from over 60 designers

complete with playful eyes, Monsterrat Piña Benetts’ set brings a touch of whimsy to the dining table

Lara Villa’s handcrafted ceramic shakers inspired by the textures and colors of regional Mexican pottery

creative interpretations of the mundane

Lucas Cantu’s sculptural salt and pepper shaker

Eduardo Azcunaga (Artelier) creates a modular set that personalizes the seasoning experience

Diego Garza (Algo Studio) turns the act of seasoning into a tactile delight

Rodrigo Mendez’s set blends the fun of gaming with the ritual of dining

Aldo Alvarez Tostado pays homage to folk art traditions, celebrating the shakers as symbols of culinary identity

3D-printed design by Leon Fernandez (Morfogenesis) exploring new materials

Marcelo Suro’s conceptual piece deconstructs the idea of seasoning

Luis Arredondo (Taller Nacional) creates a dual wooden set that joins together

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project info:

name: Sal & Pimienta
organizer: DECODE

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: ravail khan | designboom