Venice, home of the world’s most famous architecture biennale and art biennale, has a new reason to stake its claim as the European centre for craftsmanship. The premier event of Homo Faber (“Made by Man”), a biennale that showcases and supports the artisans who dedicate themselves to the mastery of craftsmanship, took place at Fondazione Giorgio Cini on the Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore last month.
When digital tools and modern technology can 3-D print an entire house ? interiors and all ? in a day, the luxury brands at the exhibition nevertheless insist that their fine work is made best by hand.
The event’s tagline, “Crafting a More Human Experience,” was distilled to the audience not only by emphasizing the virtue of the human-made products. Homo Faber curator Alberto Cavalli spoke bluntly about how craftsmanship took a blow when times were bad. He underscored the difficult realities of an artisan making a handmade product, and emphasized the need for more mutual respect. This exhibition, grandeur and luxury aside, was a way to beseech the public to save a luxury industry under threat.
Fondazione Giorgio Cini. Photo taken by Alessandra Chemollo.
At the Hermes exhibit, 22-year-old saddlemaker Thibaud Delpech from Paris shared that each saddle is assigned to one maker who will oversee the entire production from start to finish.
Photo by Keshia Badalge
Photo by Keshia Badalge
While the process is lengthy and cost-exhaustive, especially ...