Hands by Beatrice Brandini

Monumental legs in the MACRO exhibition curated by Cosimo Bonciani.

The Artigianato e Palazzo event at the Corsini Garden in Florence has just concluded. It was an exciting edition, where the main protagonists are art, decoration, and restoration, but also ceramists, goldsmiths, cabinetmakers, pastry chefs, and more—in short, talented creative artisans selected from Italy and Europe.

This event is a privileged stage where supreme artisans can showcase their talent and knowledge, making themselves known in a magical place, steeped in history. Today, more than ever, quality, originality, and the excellence of a unique piece are aspects that can truly make a difference on the market, and are the ethical and artistic key to lasting over time.

A small sample of some interesting things I photographed that I’d like to share with you.

 

Antica Officina del vetro di Carmelo Arcofora, an artistic workshop in the heart of Florence, specializing in stained glass and the creation of Tiffany-style works. For over thirty years, he has carried on the tradition by creating and restoring leaded glass windows, also known as “lead fabrics.”

 

Maison Madame Ilary couture, a love of fashion and costume, creates tailored and “theatrical” hats, inspired by the 1920s and 1930s—hats that leave a mark.

Margarita Ozerova Abiti d’Arte (Artistic Dresses), accessories very similar to works of art. In addition to scissors and fabrics, the artist also uses brushes and paints, the result is very interesting.

 

Cuori by Elica Studio, with the exhibition Italy in the Heart, 50 porcelain hearts, creative, fun, thoughtful, symbolic… Over 50 objects, part of the “In alto i cuori” collection, entirely handmade.

 

Cuori by Elica Studio. A patronage project sponsored and strongly supported by Starhotels, LA GRANDE BELLEZZA – THE DREAM FACTORY by Starhotels is an initiative that aims to highlight Italian talent, the “Great Beauty,” which exists in every corner of our country.

Delizia work by Edoardo Piermattei, a pigmented concrete piece whose aesthetics resemble those of a fine pastry creation (the artist stated he used a tool similar to a real piping bag), yet it has a dual meaning: sweet as sugar, delicious indeed, but also powerful, a metaphor for the power and status of those who once lived in this garden.

This year’s flagship exhibition was dedicated to Bulgari, featuring “Icons to Wear: When Accessories Become Stories,” a selection of accessories created through a manufacturing process in the Florence laboratory, displayed in the evocative location of the magnificent Loggia del Buontalenti in the Corsini Garden.

 

Bulgari: these Bulgari bags are not simply accessories; they combine the excellence of fine craftsmanship with an important cultural narrative, that of an Italian history, born in Rome way back in 1884, characterized by objects of incredible beauty and value, and by icons who have worn them, just like these jeweled bags.

   

Bulgari

 

Bulgari

 

The MACRO exhibition, a project curated by interior designer Cosimo Bonciani, aims to emphasize how a large-scale work can transform its identity. It’s a way to reflect on how to evaluate something we might think is familiar, changing the way we look at it, from a different perspective, revealing (and, I might add, marveling) another object. The enormous ceramic tortellino (I love it!) is by Elisabetta Forghieri of Foreli Studio.

The MACRO exhibition

Manifattura di Collebrunacchi – Collebi, A farm that produced ceramics as early as the late 19th century. Today, modern techniques are applied to ancient forms, using dip or spray glazing with entirely hand-painted decorations.

   

Views of the Torrigiani Corsini garden

Inauguration of the Artigianato e Palazzo exhibition, attended by, among others, the Mayor of Florence, Sara Funaro, and the President of the Region, Eugenio Giani.

Florence is synonymous with beauty, history, art, and craftsmanship. Artigianato e Palazzo, for thirty-one years, has represented a solid pillar of artistic craftsmanship, a priceless heritage that makes Italy unique in the world. The skilled hands of goldsmiths, ceramists, restorers, weavers, milliners, and cabinetmakers tell wonderful stories through their work. In such a delicate moment, when craftsmanship doesn’t always seem to be understood and rewarded, those who stubbornly fight like lions to achieve it, creating masterpieces large and small, are true heroes!

Good life to everyone!

Beatrice