The journey, in the year of 700 years since the death of Marco Polo, is the protagonist of the exhibition “Journey to Italy”, from 25 April to 1 May 2024, at the 88th edition of MIDA – Florence International Crafts Exhibition (Quartieri Monumentali, Sala della Volta, Fortezza da Basso, Florence). The exhibition is promoted by CR Florence Foundation and made by OMA Association in collaboration with ADI Association for Industrial Design – Tuscany Delegation offers in the sections “Landscapes of art and science” and “Design and manufacturing excellence” a cognitive journey through video installations and objects of design and artisanal manufacturing.
“The craftsmanship – declared the Vice President of Fondazione CR Firenze Maria Oliva Scaramuzzi – is a fundamental component of our culture and our economy. For this reason we are very happy to participate in MIDA with our Instrumental Association OMA, which has been committed for years to the valorisation of artistic professions and very high quality productions. The ‘Journey to Italy’ exhibition is the best demonstration of this and we hope that many young people, fascinated by the beauties on display, can fall in love with this profession which has a great need for new talents”.
The exhibition intends to explore the interconnection between travel, craftsmanship and design, highlighting the cultural and artistic influences that form the system. The goal is to highlight the contribution of local craftsmanship to the creation of design unique and significant, where the interaction with people, the exploration of design and manufacturing processes can make the experience educational and memorable. The event aims to create an engaging and meaningful experience that celebrates the cultural and economic potential of Italian creativity, promotes local craftsmanship and inspires creativity in design.
Starting from the figures of traveler and touristthe one who goes in search of the unknown always ready to explore new places and local customs, the other organized, adaptive and standardized the second, profound food for thought is offered to investigate the theme and present a selection of some of the iconic models of high craftsmanship and design. Traveling to Italy, and to Tuscany in particular, is considered an extraordinary educational experience, the experience of a rich artistic and manufacturing, archaeological and cultural history, which provides not only academic knowledge, but also a deeper understanding of the history and of the identity of Western culture.
The section Landscapes of art and science proposes one video installation with travel-themed images, paintings, objects and artefacts, connected to the landscape and architectural beauties of Tuscany and Italy, from Marco Polo to today. A systemic map traces the relationships between travel routes, craftsmanship and design narrated in the exhibition. Also on display are products and installations inspired by travel and created with the skill that illustrates the partnership between tradition and innovation, design and excellent manufacturing. This section represents the fulcrum of the exhibition from which the different declinations of the journey radiate.
The Vespa and the bicycle equipped with leather “pedaling hard” of the extraordinary Conticelli workshop; marking the cornerstone of the route is one of the most excellent examples of tailor-made yacht production Sanlorenzo shipyards with the mock ups and handcrafted sinks they highlight how design and artisanal technique come together to create highly prized nautical furnishings and structures. We are therefore celebrating a universal and current theme which opens up to a vast range of materials, techniques and experiments such as the double leather jumping saddle Pariania historic Milanese brand, the Bordo book and the travel bags printed with designs from the archive of decorated papers of the historic Giannini Firenze 1856 brand, and also Carrara marble, the designer lamps by Matteo Bimbi made by the Cooperativa Artieri d’Alabastro of Volterra, the patents of Caimi with the “Flap totem” sound-absorbing acoustic furnishings created for soundproofing; the design of Favela and Vermelhathe two armchairs of Campana brothers for Edra included in museum collections around the world or Superonda of Poltronova, the iconic sectional sofa, or the Florentine hammock and rudder Giorgio Linea made with high quality leather coverings.
Some prestigious names in interior design and the travel sector celebrate the meeting between nautical elegance, high-quality craftsmanship and innovative design. Visitors will be immersed in a universe of style, technology and craftsmanship.
The exhibition is sponsored by the Tuscany Region and the Municipality of Florence.
For more information: https://fondazionecrfirenze.it
