Allison Gómez
Leather Goods Artist
As the founder and artisan of Ata Sué, my mission is to restore and revitalise the cultural wealth of a forgotten ancestral heritage from the Pre-Colombian 'Old World.' Rooted in spirituality and a deep connection to nature, this heritage serves as a foundation for what we are as the 'New World.'
The Zihita Collection, comprised of bags and small leather goods (SLGs), translates the history and myths of the indigenous Chibcha and Muisca people. This is achieved by abstractly interpreting their stories and reimagining their ancient techniques through a contemporary lens, using leather. A key feature of the collection is the incorporation of the distinct gold-moulded silhouette, which mirrors the indigenous casting and hammering methods used to create their priceless artefacts and body art.
Each piece serves as a bridge between the past and present, inviting curiosity about its origins. The enveloping shapes and carefully curated colours reflect the diversity of my cultural background. Through this, I hope to foster a deeper connection between the viewer and the world, encouraging reflection on our coexistence in society.
My creative process embraces perfected imperfection, allowing materials to guide the evolution of each piece. I repurpose end-of-line and dead-stock skins, echoing traditional and innovative methods, including my own luxury technical camouflaging techniques.
