Dear Shaded Viewers,
The third edition of Homo Faber, aptly titled “The Journey of Life,” has transformed Venice’s Fondazione Giorgio Cini into a celebration of human existence through the lens of exquisite craftsmanship. This month-long event, running from September 1 to 30, 2024, showcases the intricate relationship between life’s milestones and the objects that accompany them.
Homo Faber, literally “Man the Maker,” is a philosophical concept that defines humanity through our capacity to create and manipulate tools. Popularized by Henri Bergson in the early 20th century, it emphasizes our innate drive to shape our environment and ourselves through craftsmanship and technology. This idea resonates deeply with the exhibition’s ethos, celebrating the human ability to transform raw materials into objects of beauty and significance. In the context of the Venice event, Homo Faber takes on a new dimension, showcasing not just our ability to make, but our capacity to infuse creations with meaning, emotion, and cultural significance throughout life’s journey.
At the helm of this ambitious project is renowned film director Luca Guadagnino, serving as Art Director alongside architect Nicolò Rosmarini. Guadagnino’s cinematic vision has profoundly shaped the exhibition’s narrative structure and immersive quality. Known for his evocative storytelling in films like “Call Me By Your Name” and “Suspiria,” Guadagnino has applied his keen eye for detail and emotional resonance to the curation of Homo Faber 2024.
The exhibition unfolds across ten themed spaces, each representing a stage of life from birth to the afterlife. Guadagnino’s influence is evident in the seamless flow between these spaces, creating a cohesive journey that engages visitors on both visual and emotional levels. His collaborative approach, honed through years of working with artisans and heritage manufacturers in film production and interior design, has resulted in a harmonious blend of craftsmanship and storytelling.
Visitors are treated to a sensory voyage through carefully curated displays featuring over 800 handcrafted objects created by more than 400 artisans from over 70 countries. The exhibition’s scenography, a hallmark of Guadagnino’s artistic direction, invites interaction between the audience and the crafted pieces, much like his approach to creating immersive film sets. Alaïa presented 30 knitted dresses that embody the Maison’s devotion to femininity. As I’m sure all my readers know is that knitting is one of the essences of the House. The brand is known for Alaïa’smeticulous craftsmanship transforming knitted fabric into a prestigious source of beauty. If you did not know, Alaïa’s decided to showcase their Spring 2025 collection in New York this September as a poignant homage to the city’s pivotal role in the brand’s history.
In the 1980s, New York became the launchpad for Azzedine Alaïa’s ready-to-wear line. Pieter Mulier, Alaïa’s current creative director, views this return to New York as more than just a fashion show. It’s a celebration of the city’s enduring influence on the brand and his own artistic journey. Mulier, who once called New York home during his time at Calvin Klein, sees the city as a wellspring of creativity and resilience that has profoundly shaped his design philosophy.This one-night event in New York represents a full-circle moment for Alaïa, bridging its illustrious past with its dynamic present and future. It’s a testament to the brand’s ability to evolve while honouring its roots, and a recognition of New York’s continued significance in the global fashion narrative.
Montblanc showcases the transmission of craftsmanship and creativity from its writing culture to leather artistry at Homo Faber. Inside the space of the Fondazione Giorgio Cini on Island San Giorgio Maggiore, Montblanc puts the spotlight on the never-ending dialogue between creatives and craftspeople, emphasizing the transmission of know-how from artisan to artisan, master to fellow, designer to artist. As 2024 marks the centenary of its iconic Meisterstück writing instrument, an everyday object that accompanies life’s special moments, Montblanc reflects on the ways in which creativity can translate from pen on paper to other crafts and platforms, with a special focus on the Maison’s long-standing legacy in leather artisanship.
Back to Venice, Guadagnino’s touch is particularly apparent in the exhibition’s attention to materiality and texture. Each space plays with human senses, using visual aesthetics and tactile elements to enhance the emotional impact of the crafted objects on display. This multi-sensory approach elevates the exhibition beyond a mere showcase of artisanal skill, transforming it into a profound meditation on the human experience. Through Guadagnino’s artistic lens, the event highlights how handcrafted objects serve as tangible connections from childhood treasures to symbols of love and legacy
As visitors move through the Fondazione Giorgio Cini, they are not just observers but participants in a narrative that celebrates the intersection of life, art, and craft. Guadagnino’s vision for Homo Faber 2024 reminds us that in an increasingly digital world, the touch of human hands and the stories embedded in crafted objects remain irreplaceable aspects of our shared journey through life.
Later,
Diane
