Mexx, a botanical sculpture at SFER IK in Tulum, blurs the line between nature and art

Nestled in the Mayan jungle, 30 miles inland from the beaches of Tulum, Mexico, SFER IK is an interdisciplinary arts center founded by Argentinean-born architect/impresario Roth. Originally opened in 2019, the ten-acre complex is an example of biomorphic architecture. Made entirely from locally sourced materials—cement, vines, and fiberglass—the structure weaves its way through the thick vegetation without a level surface or right angle in sight, offering shelter while simultaneously allowing the jungle’s flora and fauna to invade its internal spaces. This structure, halfway between a building and a garden, offers a unique environment from which to contemplate the relationships between fine art—Ernesto Neto was the first artist to exhibit there—and nature.

Shortly after opening, the COVID pandemic swept the globe and SFER IK was forced to close. This March, the museion, or “temple of the muses,” which has been something of a magnet for strong personalities, reopened with a new director, Marcello Dantas, who replaces Claudia Paetzold. It’s also sporting a new installation: Mexx by Japanese florist and botanical sculptor Azuma Makoto.

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