This year's Feria Hábitat València (29 September–2 October) will play host to a landmark retrospective honouring the 25-year career of acclaimed Valencian designer Héctor Serrano. Titled "Héctor Serrano: The Journey In-Between. 25 Years Connecting" and curated by design journalist Tachy Mora, the exhibition celebrates the National Design Award winner's prolific and influential body of work.
© Feria Hábitat València
The exhibition offers a rare insight into Serrano's creative evolution, with nearly 100 works across diverse disciplines and collaborations with leading brands including Muji, Seletti, Fontana Arte, Gandia Blasco Group, Porcelanosa, and Fundación Telefónica.
A pivotal figure in contemporary Spanish design, Serrano is known for his ability to 'connect with people, often appealing with great sensitivity to our memories of objects and our surroundings.' Yet, as the exhibition reveals, 'his approach is never nostalgic, but rather rooted in innovation and fresh perspectives.'
Returning to what he has long called his "home," Serrano chose to mark his 2024 National Design Award, bestowed by Spain's Ministry of Science and Innovation, at Feria Valencia during last year's Hábitat fair. This year, he deepens that connection with an exhibition that maps the essence of his design process, described by Mora as one where 'the journey between the starting point and the final outcome plays a central role.' In Serrano's words, this journey is often marked by "the unexpected ingredient" ,that unique spark which may engage users 'in a fun and creative way, or manifest more subtly through innovation, research, or sustainability.'
The exhibition, first shown at Central de Diseño at Matadero Madrid during the Madrid Design Festival 25 with support from DIMAD, now arrives in Valencia with added resonance.
One of its standout features is "Raíces" (Roots), a solidarity project born from the devastation of the DANA storm that struck Valencia in October 2024. The storm impacted 85 municipalities, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Serrano responded by collecting roots and debris from local beaches and transforming them into 18 unique vases, one for each affected locality. These pieces were designed to hold cuttings that could later be planted, symbolising recovery and regrowth.
The proceeds were donated to CERAI, a non-profit association supporting agro-ecological farming and rural development. Funds also went towards restoring family orchards in Sot de Chera, where '80% of crops were lost, and the river promenade was completely destroyed.'
Serrano studied Industrial Design at UCH CEU in Valencia and later honed his distinctive style at the Royal College of Art in London. His early breakthrough came with Droog Design's adoption of his first product, the Superpatata lamp. After a decade in London, he returned to Valencia, where his studio continues to produce work that is 'highly valued both creatively and technically.'
Curator Tachy Mora brings deep expertise to the project, having specialised in design journalism and exhibition curation since 1998. Her previous works include the internationally toured Artesanía Española de Vanguardia and Scenarios of a Near Future, part of World Design Capital Valencia 2022.
As Feria Hábitat València and Textilhogar join forces once more, drawing over 43,000 professionals from 70 countries, The Journey In-Between offers a timely celebration of design that connects, inspires, and regenerates.
More information:
Feria Hábitat València
habitat@feriavalencia.com
www.feriahabitatvalencia.com