Tlaltecuhtli by Fanie Simon

With its layered, three-dimensional construction, Tlaltecuhtli evokes both structure and emergence. The title refers to the Aztec earth deity, embodying creation, transformation, and the cyclical nature of life.

The interplay of walnut, oak, and crystal beech gives the piece a grounded yet dynamic presence. Subtle variations in depth and grain catch the light differently, allowing the geometry to shift as the viewer moves. The work speaks of origin and renewal as a tactile meditation on the living essence of the earth itself.

Fanie Simon (b. 1986) is a Swiss artist and designer whose practice spans woodworking, furniture design, and visual art. Originally from Basel, she spent several years in Tulum, Mexico, where she developed her interest in designing and building furniture, a path that ultimately led her to the creation of her unique artworks.

Simon describes her pieces as “wood mosaics” or “puzzles,” reflecting her intuitive approach to composition as a form of meditation. She places one piece of wood next to another, often randomly, letting patterns and symmetries emerge organically. In the process of finding balance, she notes a connection to the Rorschach test, revealing her meticulous yet playful engagement with form. Each artwork is a result of weeks of experimentation: starting, reworking, discarding, and reassembling, with the final state often documented photographically before a new iteration begins. Sketches are rare; the work evolves directly through material and intuition.

This artwork was part of THE HOUSE WE CARRY exhibition in November 2025.