Dedicated to European craftsmanship, Homo Faber will be an exclusive event in Venice that will take place at Fondazione Giorgio Cini, from 14-30 September. Michelangelo Foundation will organize the event and one of the most anticipated exhibits will the Imaginary Architecture by the renowned Parisian creator, India Mahdavi. Now, Paris Design Agenda will display the two contemporary follies that Mahdavi will show at the event.
Using fine craftsmanship as her base material, and knowledge as her alphabet, India Mahdavi applies her vivid imagination to tell a personal story of her relationship with the worlds of master artisans. The result is two highly inventive spaces that encompass the passion and excellence of artisans and the imagination of a visionary designer.
The Henry Rosseau Forever ⇒ In this abstract winter garden, Mahdavi pays homage to Rousseau, the French post-impressionist painter known for his rich forest scenes. She does this by using rattan, a natural material she has always loved and has used in her designs for a long time. Here, she collaborates with some of the few remaining rattan artisans in Europe to create beautiful handmade chairs, masks and intricate rattan marquetry panels.
Mahdavi tells the story of her relationship with rattan, showing how this noble, traditional material can be transformed in new and sophisticated ways. These beautiful rattan creations are offset by a black and white mosaic floor, bespoke mirrors and dramatic lighting created especially for this exhibit by Italian master craftsmen. Together, the artisans in this space show how traditional skills can make a vital contribution to contemporary living.
Mary-Go-Round ⇒ This contemporary upholstered living space in the shape of a rotunda draws on Mahdavi’s characteristic use of bold colour and her long history of working with master upholsterers. The walls feature exquisite embroidery made by a long-time collaborator, while the upholstery is so complex it can only be handmade by specialist artisans.
Mahdavi pays tribute to the exhibit’s beautiful setting in Venice by using Italian fabrics such as velvet and satin and designing a typically vibrant colour scheme that evokes the sea. With its intricate handmade details, this space demonstrates the importance of the human hand in contemporary design, showing how fine craftsmanship gives added value to interiors in a way in which machines simply cannot.
During Homo Faber, visitors will have the chance to commune with designers and artisans and see live showcases, making it a complete design experience. Make sure to visit the event and regard India Mahdavi’s exceptional exhibition.
Source: Homo Faber
