Homo Faber 2024. The journey of life

"Homo Faber 2024: The Journey of Life," the third edition of a groundbreaking showcase of contemporary craftsmanship, is now open to the public at Fondazione Giorgio Cini, San Giorgio Maggiore island, Venice.

Organised by the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship and its partners, "Homo Faber 2024" invites visitors to explore the essential role handmade objects play in our daily lives. Through the theme "The Journey of Life," devised by the Foundation's Vice-Chair, Hanneli Rupert, and interpreted by Art Directors Luca Guadagnino and Nicolò Rosmarini, the exhibition showcases exquisite objects by artisans from all over the world, revealing how craftsmanship is woven into the fabric of our lives. The bespoke backgammon set gifted from grandfather to grandchild, the handcrafted accessories that evoke memories of a woman's round-the-world trip, the crystal glasses used to toast a couple's wedding day: it's objects like these that help us to create precious and meaningful moments.

Hanneli Rupert said: "I chose the theme The Journey of Life because I wanted something simple that would resonate globally, and simultaneously allow us to show, for the first time, works from around the world. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined the beauty and simplicity of vision with which Luca Guadagnino and Nicolò Rosmarini could have interpreted this. I am particularly excited by the geographic variety of crafts and skillsets that we are showcasing side by side, many of which urgently need help to keep them alive for future generations to appreciate."

Luca Guadagnino said: "My job has always been to find a way to tell a story within the coordinates that I'm given. This amazing and very streamlined and universal concept of the 'Journey of Life' really led us to understand how to envelope the audience through the amazing architecture of the Fondazione Cini so that the craft on display was not going to be overwhelmed but at the same time the place itself was given a lot of relevance. It has been a tremendous experience of reflection on many of the great inspirations that have led our ideas, from Carlo Scarpa to the memory and history of Venice as a city of art."

Nicolò Rosmarini commented: "We wanted to create incredible moments through large scale installations but also a harmonious journey through all the rooms. We went into detail with every single element in the rooms, which was an amazing collaboration with the greatest artisans and experts to create elements that show incredible values and craftsmanship. It's been amazing to be faced with the architecture of the Fondazione Giorgio Cini and try to emphasise it but also play with it."

Alberto Cavalli, Executive Director of the Michelangelo Foundation, added: "Luca Guadagnino and Nicolò Rosmarini have developed a true artisan's attention to spaces, atmospheres and details, placing the objects in an evocative, authorial and truly precious narrative. From some 70 countries around the world, the 800 works on display have been made by artisans who, with their talent, tell of a precious and unexpected diversity."