During the last Milan Design Week, De Castelli presented the book Tracing Venice. The outcome of a research we carried out around the mosaics of the Basilica of San Marco, masterfully interpreted by De Castelli in a series of metal mosaics. A story narrated among others by the Venetian writer Tiziano Scarpa and the executive director of the Michelangelo Foundation Alberto Cavalli, and accompanied by unpublished drawings from the historical archive of the Procuratoria of the Basilica di San Marco. Exhibition open until the end of July in the De Castelli showroom in Milan.
A visual diary of our projects, exhibitions and new collaborations introduced at Fuorisalone 2023 in Milan last April.
Our journey began in Venice in 2013.
When we look up we are often mesmerised by the beauty of a place. However, in Venice, we learned to change our point of view, we observe the city by looking downwards. On the cold days of February, the light filters through the mist, highlighting what is rare if not impossible, to find anywhere else. Shades, stains and imperfections are the undeniable marks of a unique phenomenon: acqua alta. This tricky matter was for us the starting point of a design journey that continues to influence our work today. A professional growth which over the years has gone well beyond the geography of the lagoon itself.
In Venice, human hands do not have the sole task of giving shape to material. They must protect its beauty from the force of nature. From the water, for example, that surrounds it and often engulfs it, carrying away scraps and leaving indelible marks. A portfolio of subjects and effects that naturally became part of our language. An inspiring vocabulary where imperfection and flaw turn into the starting point of what we are telling in our project.
Our professional journey started with a collection called “Acqua Alta”: a travelogue made of notes and pictures that eventually took shape in a series of products deeply connected to the history and craft traditions of the lagoon city. Just like a manifesto.
Since then we have continued to explore this heritage through our curiosity and ideas, investigating a contemporary interpretation of narratives – even centuries-old ones – that are alive and vibrant today.
Our projects are meant to be testimony to a unique cultural heritage which belongs to different lands. We wish to guardian this unparalleled technique and knowledge that connect craftsmanship and manufacturing. Close to this world of making, we have measured ourselves over time with extraordinary workshops, businesses and ateliers, always careful to preserve their knowledge and secrets while projecting them into the future.
Our creative process is spontaneous and complex, deep and meticulous. We believe in putting into play our devotion to the genius loci, not only to share about places and lifestyle but also to look up to their resources, skills and specific identities. The outcome of these many happy collaborations proves how artisan manufacturing and technology are precious tools to praise our present and be able to imagine a different path ahead.
The result of the research we have been carrying out with confidence since 2013 is a tribute to history, talent and the art that resist over time and exist, in balance and proactive towards the future.
Our journey began in Venice in 2013.
When we look up we are often mesmerised by the beauty of a place. However, in Venice, we learned to change our point of view, we observe the city by looking downwards. On the cold days of February, the light filters through the mist, highlighting what is rare if not impossible, to find anywhere else. Shades, stains and imperfections are the undeniable marks of a unique phenomenon: acqua alta. This tricky matter was for us the starting point of a design journey that continues to influence our work today. A professional growth which over the years has gone well beyond the geography of the lagoon itself.
In Venice, human hands do not have the sole task of giving shape to material. They must protect its beauty from the force of nature. From the water, for example, that surrounds it and often engulfs it, carrying away scraps and leaving indelible marks. A portfolio of subjects and effects that naturally became part of our language. An inspiring vocabulary where imperfection and flaw turn into the starting point of what we are telling in our project.
Our professional journey started with a collection called “Acqua Alta”: a travelogue made of notes and pictures that eventually took shape in a series of products deeply connected to the history and craft traditions of the lagoon city. Just like a manifesto.
Since then we have continued to explore this heritage through our curiosity and ideas, investigating a contemporary interpretation of narratives – even centuries-old ones – that are alive and vibrant today.
Our projects are meant to be testimony to a unique cultural heritage which belongs to different lands. We wish to guardian this unparalleled technique and knowledge that connect craftsmanship and manufacturing. Close to this world of making, we have measured ourselves over time with extraordinary workshops, businesses and ateliers, always careful to preserve their knowledge and secrets while projecting them into the future.
Our creative process is spontaneous and complex, deep and meticulous. We believe in putting into play our devotion to the genius loci, not only to share about places and lifestyle but also to look up to their resources, skills and specific identities. The outcome of these many happy collaborations proves how artisan manufacturing and technology are precious tools to praise our present and be able to imagine a different path ahead.
The result of the research we have been carrying out with confidence since 2013 is a tribute to history, talent and the art that resist over time and exist, in balance and proactive towards the future.
