Taking place across the sprawling grounds of Villa Marie, a historic 18th-century residence nestled in the rolling hills of Capannori, Lucca, Design in a Real World investigates the relationship between Tuscany’s rich history of craftsmanship and design.
It’s the debut initiative by Vestigia, a young Italian collectible design and contemporary art platform that promises to highlight the interconnection between objects, places and people. On show is an extensive collection of works from a broad church of voices that provide a snapshot of the region’s current design scene.
‘The exhibition presents a selection of new and existing projects, chosen for their connection with the territory and their affinity with craft practices,’ explains Jonathan Bocca, curator of the exhibition and founder of Vestigia. ‘Exhibited across the villa’s outdoor spaces, the works embody materiality, care, and respect for impermanence.’
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Together, the pieces highlight the possibilities afforded by artisanal practices such as material experimentation and innovative techniques. In the pond, FMM Design, a studio from Pisa, has installed a mirror entitled ‘Lunae’. Half Portoro marble, half glass, the reflective piece appears to rise from the water like a sublime iceberg. Elsewhere, Daniele Giannettti is exhibiting a series of vessels and candelabras moulded from clay gathered in Montelupo Fiorentino.
Other unique investigations into materiality include a bench by Italian designer Duccio Maria Gambi from his ongoing marble and wood furniture series, ‘Subtraction’, which he creates using a special sculpting technique.
Another highlight is ‘Please Hold Up’ by Finemateria, a collection of playful, angular sky blue chairs made from a single material: UP 40 polyurethane foam. Unlike traditional polyurethane foam, this variant has high bearing capacity, making it a lightweight but sturdy choice for a seat.
Design in a Real World is on at Villa Marie until 28 September by appointment, villamarie.it
