Los Trompos (Spinning Tops) is an interactive design installation by Mexican designers Héctor Esrawe and Ignacio Cadena, inspired by children’s colourful spinning tops.
Designed mainly for the purpose of community interaction and engagement, Los Trompos features more than 30 ‘life-size’ tops which can be spun on the top of their bases by the users. Each of these tops are crafted and created in part by Mexican Artisans in traditionally woven fabric.
The installation was originally unveiled back in 2015 in Georgia, Atlanta at the High Museum of Art.
Construction and Installation
Final Installation
“The concept behind Los Trompos is based on an approach of traditional toys, their colorful expression and the way they are constructed. We wanted to talk about the traditions and skills of the craftsmen in Mexico, as an inheritance of our culture. We like the idea of translating these techniques into new symbols.”
Héctor Esrawe on the idea behind the design
“Only through this interaction and collaboration will the work come to life and be complete.”
Ignacio Cadena on the interaction of people with the installation
Here’s an interview from the 2015 unveiling where the designers share the inspiration and ideology behind the installation.
