Illuminate connection: ‘The Harria Luminary Collection’ by Joshua Linacisoro
The Harria Luminary Collection is an evocative series of lighting designs created by Joshua Linacisoro, drawing deeply from the Basque ethos encapsulated in the phrase “Harria da Argia”—the stone is light. This concept lies at the heart of the collection, blending the enduring strength of stone with the inviting warmth of light, a duality that resonates in the emotional depth of the project. Stone becomes a metaphor for resistance, friction, and connection, bridging the tactile and the intangible.
Joshua Linacisoro’s collection is a tangible exploration of presence in a world dominated by digital distractions. Inspired by the visceral and physical aspects of Basque rural sports, the four distinct luminary designs invite users into a realm of sensory engagement. The pieces are not merely functional but are crafted to cultivate an emotional bond between the object and its beholder. Textures reminiscent of human skin and surfaces designed to evoke the sensation of touch create an immediate, personal connection. The soft light they emit reinforces this intimacy, providing a gentle embrace that encourages reflection and mindfulness.
At its core, the Harria collection emphasizes the significance of grounding oneself in physical experiences. The luminaires serve as reminders of the quiet beauty found in looking, listening, and being present. By integrating textures that suggest human interaction and the warmth of connection, the collection captures the essence of relationships—resilient, tender, and profoundly human. This interplay between friction and comfort mirrors the complexities of love and companionship, making each piece both a practical object and a poetic statement.
The craftsmanship behind the Harria collection adds another layer of depth. The luminaires are meticulously fashioned from alabaster by the Barbany family, a lineage of artisans who have worked with stone since 1884. Their traditional techniques, enriched by contemporary production methods, imbue each piece with history and modernity, reinforcing the project’s narrative of bridging past and present.
The result is more than just a lighting collection; it is a celebration of the tactile and the tangible in an increasingly intangible world. Joshua Linacisoro’s work prompts a reevaluation of what it means to interact with the physical, urging a return to the essential qualities of human connection—resistance, touch, warmth, and love. Through the Harria Luminary Collection, the phrase “Harria da Argia” becomes a living testament: the stone is not just light; it is a reminder to pause, feel, and connect.
Photography by Manel CAno Merino, courtesy of Joshua Linacisoro, shared with permission
