Prestigious design festival Homo Faber 2024 held in Venice for its third edition
- Art Featured Lifestyle
Anushka Manik- 6 minutes read
Held in the cultural heart of Venice, Homo Faber is a celebration of the finest in artisanal talent from around the globe. This one-of-a-kind event unites master artisans, designers, and creators to showcase their extraordinary work through immersive exhibitions, interactive experiences, and live demonstrations. From rare traditional techniques to cutting-edge design, Homo Faber, (meaning “man-the-maker” in latin) is back for its third edition at the Giorgio Cini Foundation in Venice. This exhibition, titled The Journey Of Life and curated by the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship, showcases the finest examples of craftsmanship from around the world. While Homo Faber is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the beauty and skill behind handcrafted objects, it’s special for India this time around! Read on.
Jaipur Rugs
Jaipur Rugs is honored to collaborate with acclaimed design visionary Luca Guadagnino and Nicolo Rosmarini, who have designed two monumental carpets for the occasion. Standing at an awe-inspiring 25 meters, the Cenacolo Palladiano Carpet is a masterpiece designed specifically for the Cenacolo Palladiano, a grand refectory conceived by legendary architect Andrea Palladio. Luca Guadagnino’s visionary approach has transformed this iconic space, drawing inspiration from his watercolor painting for the Homo Faber 2024 logo. Equally captivating is the Padiglione delle Capriate Carpet, bursting with postmodern Memphis-inspired motifs and vibrant colors. Designed in a striking rhombus shape, this bold creation commands the vast expanse of the Padiglione delle Capriate pavilion. Both carpets, grand in scale and creativity, were meticulously crafted in Jaipur Rugs’ ateliers in Mirzapur, the historic center of carpet weaving in northeast India. The collaboration began after a visit to Jaipur by Homo Faber curator Andrea Tomasi, with Luca Guadagnino conceptualizing the designs in Milan, where Jaipur Rugs also has a gallery. The Padiglione delle Capriate Carpet, woven in five sections due to its size, will be seamlessly assembled on-site in Venice, showcasing the artisans’ remarkable skill.
Vacheron Constantin
At Homo Faber 2024, Vacheron Constantin celebrates the art of restoration by showcasing the expertise of the Louvre Museum’s cabinet-making workshop. As artistic partners since 2019, both institutions are dedicated to preserving heritage and passing on traditional craftsmanship to future generations. Since the brand’s founding in 1755, the Maison has been committed to preserving every watch it has ever created, ensuring they stand the test of time. Whether it’s a minor service or a full restoration requiring the revival of original components, the skilled watchmakers at the Manufacture play a key role in extending the life of these timepieces. With a vast inventory of original parts, Vacheron Constantin ensures that each restored watch retains its authentic characteristics, safeguarding its legacy for generations to come.
Montblanc
Held at the Fondazione Giorgio Cini on San Giorgio Maggiore Island, Montblanc emphasizes the ongoing dialogue between creatives and artisans, showcasing the transfer of skills from master to apprentice, and designer to craftsman. As Montblanc marks the centenary of its iconic Meisterstück writing instrument, the brand reflects on how creativity moves from pen to paper and beyond, particularly in leather craftsmanship. Visitors to the Montblanc booth, located in the Dialogues room, will witness this transmission firsthand—starting with an artist sketching with a Montblanc pen, followed by the transformation of that design into intricate embroidery on Montblanc leather pieces. Additionally, Montblanc unveils two limited-edition writing instruments to celebrate the Meisterstück centenary. The Montblanc Meisterstück The Origin Collection Limited Edition 100 features a cap and barrel in skeletonized solid Au 750 gold, adorned with a design from the brand’s archives and a translucent green lacquer underlay. The anniversary clip is set with a tsavorite, while the gold nib is enhanced with a precious stone and engraved with 100 and the years 1924 and 2024. The Montblanc emblem atop the pen is a sparkling diamond, surrounded by tsavorites.
The Back Studio
At Homo Faber 2024, Indian craftsmanship takes center stage in a remarkable display of artistry and tradition. The Back Studio’s artistic practice, in collaboration with Yaazd Contractor and Eugenio Rossi, presents 113 spaceship-like light installations, created in partnership with Panerai, hanging dramatically in the ‘Love Union’ room. Sharing this space is a striking shikargah tapestry from Tarun Tahiliani Design Studio, showcasing a blend of embroidery techniques such as aari and zardozi, symbolizing India’s cultural fusion.
Rooshad Shroff
Architect Rooshad Shroff’s pieces, including his signature screen and chairs, are showcased toward the end of the room in a beautifully curated bedroom setting, featuring the bold, erotic artwork of T Venkanna. The ‘Love’ section further expands into a gallery dedicated to flowers and their symbolism, with impressive creations like Dutch ceramist Anna Volkova’s porcelain tulip bouquet and Korean artisan Hyejeong Ko’s sculptural bowl, made from 3,000 tiny silver flowers, demonstrating the awe-inspiring precision and craftsmanship that human hands can achieve.
India’s representation at Homo Faber 2024 beautifully encapsulates a synergy of tradition, innovation, and skill, resonating deeply with the global celebration of artisanal mastery.
