Luca Guadagnino, the acclaimed director known for his artistic vision, has brought his unique touch to the 2024 edition of Homo Faber, an exhibition celebrating the world of design and craftsmanship. Held at the Giorgio Cini Foundation in Venice, the exhibition, guided by the theme “Journey of Life,” transports visitors through a captivating journey that explores the intricate relationship between art, handcraft, and the stages of life.
Guadagnino, whose collaboration with the Michelangelo Foundation began on the set of his film “Queer,” has a deep appreciation for design and craftsmanship, evident in his own interior architecture studio founded in Milan in 2017. This studio has undertaken numerous projects, including the transformation of a 16th-century school into the exquisite Palazzo Talia hotel in Rome.
For Homo Faber, Guadagnino partnered with Nicolò Rosmarini, a regular collaborator, to create an immersive experience that goes beyond simply displaying objects. They envisioned a journey, guided by the exhibition’s theme, with each stage represented by distinct colors and evocative spaces. The exhibit features over 800 objects from around the world, each meticulously curated to reflect a specific aspect of the “Journey of Life.”
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the “Celebration” room, designed by Guadagnino and Rosmarini to evoke a sense of grand occasion. This room features a massive mirrored table, handcrafted by skilled artisans, and a recreation of Paolo Veronese’s monumental “Wedding at Cana” painting, creating a visually stunning and thought-provoking dialogue between past and present.
The duo’s approach to designing the exhibition is deeply respectful of both the objects displayed and the heritage of the Giorgio Cini Foundation, a center for cultural activity dedicated to restoring the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. The foundation’s mission resonates with Guadagnino’s own artistic sensibilities, as he is deeply moved by Venice’s unique light and its rich history, a sentiment shared by the late architect and designer Carlo Scarpa, a significant inspiration for both Guadagnino and Rosmarini.
Throughout the exhibition, the emphasis is on the hands-on nature of craftsmanship, the dedication and skill required to create each piece. Guadagnino, while acknowledging his artistic background, admits he’s not particularly skilled with his hands. But his work, including his film “A Bigger Splash,” reveals a profound appreciation for the human touch and the artistry of creation.
Homo Faber, with its unique blend of artistic vision and reverence for the past, is not merely an exhibition of objects but a testament to the enduring power of craftsmanship and its ability to shape our understanding of life itself. The exhibition runs until September 30, 2024, at the Giorgio Cini Foundation in Venice, inviting visitors to embark on a journey of discovery and appreciation for the artistry that surrounds us.
