Sardinian artisans in the large showcase of Homo Faber

Some of the best expressions of Sardinian know-how. Talent, creativity, ability to dynamically interpret the teachings of tradition. The past is revisited according to the canons of a modernity that does not betray the memory handed down. In Venice , on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, in the world showcase of Homo Faber , an exhibition on artistic crafts conceived by the "Michelangelo Foundation", Sardinia brings ancient and very modern works and projects as a dowry. A prodigious alchemy between the skills acquired in the family and the contributions of designers who come from afar. The magnificent four that until May 1st represent the Island in the spaces of the Cini Foundation, as part of Homo Faber, are Terrapintada di Bitti , Bam Design di Nuoro and two forges of artisan ideas and forms with a solid roots in Samugheo , the company of Mariantonia Urru and the M & dusa laboratory.

Ideas and projects

Terrapintada and the M & dusa laboratory arrived in Venice on the wave of ArtiJanus / ArtiJanas, the experimental project of culture of design and craftsmanship promoted and supported by the Foundation of Sardinia with the scientific and artistic direction of Triennale Milano. They found hospitality in the Next of Europe section curated by Jean Blanchaert and Stefano Boeri. The Bitti company, a workshop animated by the brothers Giulia and Robert Carzedda and Simonetta Marongiu , brought a ceramic work to the lagoon which - explain the creators - "draws inspiration from the traditional female costume, in particular from the pleating of the skirt and modality with which it was frequently used to cover the head ". The artisans from Bittese worked in great harmony with the designers Giorgia Zanellato and Daniele Bortotto . The M & dusa workshop of Marcella and Daniela Sanna contributes to the cause of Homo Faber with the two cushions Sa Murta and Su Brunzu, created, with the collaboration of Serena Confalonieri, on a manual loom using the “a pibiones” weaving technique. Natural and identity themes are recalled: the myrtle plant and the nuragic warrior. Inside “ Next of Europe ” there is also the tapestry of the company founded in Samugheo by Mariantonia Urru , a reference point for weaving in Sardinia, which has given continuity to the life of her workshop through the involvement of her four children. Pino Demelas is one of the heirs of this glorious tradition: “We owe everything to our mother who led us to study to acquire useful skills. She continues to guide us every day, to offer directions. The company has a defined identity between tradition that must be respected and an eye to the future and new forms of expression. For the tapestry we brought to Venice we were inspired by the art of Pinuccio Sciola ”. Bam Design of Nuoro moves along the same path, specializing in the artistic processing of wrought iron, copper, brass and steel. It was born from an impulse of Tonino Bruno , a third generation craftsman. His sons Vittorio and Andrea, graduates respectively from the Milan Polytechnic and the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, shared with him the love for craftsmanship. They participate in “Homo Faber” with the Tonie and Teh sideboards in the section “The Artisan: a handmade tea room”.

The exhibition

For visitors, many beautiful surprises including the opportunity to discover the magnificence of the gardens of the Giorgio Cini Foundation with the legendary Green Theater, the perfect Borges labyrinth and the suggestions of the Vatican Chapels. Along the way there is also the Gandini swimming pool where the brilliant Bob Wilson revives the time and atmosphere of his Madame Butterfly. A pleasant dive. This year Homo Faber observes Japan and the culture and art of the Rising Sun in a game of intertwining and cross-references. In the 4 thousand square meters of exhibition area, 15 exhibitions are set up by 22 designers, architects and curators arriving from all over the world. A triumph of high and noble craftsmanship between ceramics, porcelain, wrought iron and wood artifacts, up to the textures of fabrics, jewels and all the "living treasures" that describe the deep soul of millenary stories.