Homo Faber Event returns in 2022 for a second edition, in Venice

Homo Faber Event returns to Venice in 2022 to unveil an unprecedented cultural experience of craftsmanship with 15 immersive exhibitions.

For its second edition, the event looks to highlight the excellence of master craftsmanship internationally. With a special focus on craftspeople from Japan, it spotlights the country’s venerated craftsmanship traditions and time-honoured skills, and showcases its influence on European creativity and craftsmanship.

Together, the exhibition spaces showcase a diverse array of materials and expertise, from traditional skills in danger of being lost to the most cutting-edge contemporary techniques.

The event champions talented artisans from across the globe, their cherished savoir-faire, their unique stories, and the territorial influences that enrich their masterpieces. Some of the exhibition spaces invite visitors to meet the artisans and share moments with them as they work, while others animate craft with their scenography.

Visitors have the chance to explore the connection between contemporary craftsmanship and the wider arts and design world. In one exhibition space, the world’s most prestigious luxury brands reveal the craftsmanship behind their pieces; in another, a rendering by director Robert Wilson of an iconic evocation of Puccini’s opera, Madama Butterfly, takes visitors on a theatrical journey.

The role of next generation automata will also be explored, while a crafted tea room considers the relationship craftsmanship has with our everyday lives. Elsewhere, artisans and ateliers reveal the essential role of the artisanal touch in creating design pieces.

Guided by a philosophy of sustainability, the event highlights the importance of making crafts viable and safeguarding them for the future, with a strong focus on the next generation through interactive and informative educational activities aimed at different age groups.

The Young Ambassador Programme will animate the exhibition spaces with its talented students. Selected from the best applied arts and design schools across Europe, they will be on hand to offer visitors guided tours.

With Europe’s treasure trove as its starting point, the exhibition broadens its horizons to explore the entwining cultural relationship between Europe and Japan. Homo Faber Event 2022 honours the official recognition that Japan gives to its finest masters, designated as keepers of important intangible cultural properties. Visitors can admire the exceptional objects handcrafted by 12 National Living Treasures – exquisite porcelain, a lacquered harp, hand-dyed kimonos and much more. An evocative photography exhibition by Rinko Kawauchi transports visitors behind the scenes into the secret ateliers of these prized master artisans.

The event offers the public a rare opportunity to explore San Giorgio Maggiore island and the magnificent structures of the Fondazione Giorgio Cini in an exhibition that covers nearly 4,000 square metres. Rooms such as the Longhena Library and Gandini swimming pool, usually closed to the public, will open especially on the occasion of the event, transformed into scenes where craft takes centre stage and visitors can partake in the experience.

Beyond the walls of Fondazione Giorgio Cini, the Homo Faber in Città project allows visitors to experience secret Venice, exploring the craftsmanship hidden between the city’s canals through exclusive visits to Venetian artisans’ workshops and ateliers, museums, shops and more. Using the app or website, visitors will be able to create bespoke self-guided craft tours and experience the city in a completely new way.

Homo Faber Event 2022

Key facts and figures

15 exhibitions
22 curators and designers
12 Japanese National Living Treasures
A showcase of over 400 unique objects Crafted by over 350 designers and artisans From over 30 countries
Over 60 immersive experiences

List of curators and designers

Jean Blanchaert – Gallerist (Belgium, Italy)
Frédéric Bodet – Curator and porcelain specialist (France)
Stefano Boeri – Architect, urban planner and chairman of the Triennale Milano (Italy) David Caméo – Museum director and porcelain expert (France)
Judith Clark – Fashion exhibition designer and curator (UK)
Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri d’Arte (Italy)
De Castelli – Furniture manufacturer (Italy)
Michele De Lucchi – Architect (Italy)
Naoto Fukasawa – Designer (Japan)
Sebastian Herkner – Designer (Germany)
Rinko Kawauchi – Photographer (Japan)
Simon Kidston – Vintage car broker, expert and collector (UK)
Nicolas Le Moigne – Head of the Master of Advanced Studies in Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship, ECAL/University of Art and Design Lausanne (Switzerland)
Tapiwa Matsinde – Curator (UK, Zimbabwe)
Stefano Micelli, Professor, Ca’ Foscari University (Italy)
Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship (Switzerland)
Panerai – Watch manufacturer (Italy)
Alessandro Pedron – Architect and professor (Italy)
Sylvain Roca – Interior designer and scenographer (France)
Tokugo Uchida – Museum director (Japan)
Venini – Glass manufacturer (Italy)
Robert Wilson – Director and visual artist (US)
Zanellato/Bortotto – Design studio (Italy)

The general curator of Homo Faber Event is Alberto Cavalli, Executive Director of the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship.

The exhibitions

The Ateliers of Wonders

Curated by Rinko Kawauchi
The stunning photographs, exhibited in the Renaissance-style Cypress Cloister, give visitors a close-up look at the workshops of the National Living Treasures of Japan whose work is presented in the 12 Stone Garden exhibition. The award-winning photographer captures the artisans as they create precious objects using centuries-old techniques, expressing tradition at the cutting edge.

12 Stone Garden

Curated by Naoto Fukasawa and Tokugo Uchida
On display are objects by 12 Japanese National Living Treasures, master artisans whose mastery of traditional skills makes them a valued part of the country’s cultural heritage. Among the exquisite works are kimonos, an urushi lacquered harp and a bamboo flower basket. All the objects are displayed on 12 stone-shaped blocks designed by Naoto Fukasawa.

Masterful Gestures

Curated by the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship.
In the magnificent surroundings of the Cenacolo Vestibule, talented craftspeople from France and the United Kingdom work in front of visitors, demonstrating their skills and dexterity and how time- honoured techniques can imbue the present with everlasting beauty. The artisans include four duos drawn from France’s Maîtres d’Art-Élèves programme, presented by the Institut National des Métiers d’Art with the support of the Fondation Bettencourt Schueller; and four talented individuals selected by the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST), a charity of the Royal Warrant Holders Association, which supports the training and education of talented and aspiring craftspeople in the United Kingdom. The structures are made by the Italian manufacturer De Castelli.

Italy and Japan: Marvellous Liaisons

Curated by Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri d’Arte
In homage to the cultural exchange between Italy and Japan, which has always found a fertile breeding ground in Venice, this room invites visitors to delve into a dialogue between the finest Italian craftsmanship and the Japanese culture. On display, a selection of objects handcrafted by Italian master artisans, many designated as “MAM”, the Italian equivalent of National Living Treasures, and inspired by Japanese decorative motifs, techniques, materials and formal approaches.

Mechanical Marvels

Curated by Nicolas Le Moigne. Co-curated by Simon Kidston
Discover the creative results of a vibrant collaboration between Association Mec-Art (Pour la Mécanique d’Art) and ECAL/University of Art and Design Lausanne. Five interactive installations based on mechanical know-how, designed by the students of the Master of Advanced Studies in Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship, illustrate the different local traditions recently acknowledged by UNESCO and associated with the Swiss town of Sainte-Croix.

Magnae Chartae

Curated by Michele De Lucchi and his studio AMDL CIRCLE
A homage to paper crafting – its relevance, its diversity and the human hands integral to the creative processes. An imaginative array of paper artworks reveals the beauty, creativity and cultural significance of paper craftsmanship. Visitors can witness the skill and artistry of artisans at work in the room, marvel at the immersive installations and allow themselves to discover the joys of writing with a fountain pen, crafted on site by Montblanc artisans.

Porcelain Virtuosity

Curated by David Caméo and Frédéric Bodet

A celebration of contemporary porcelain craftsmanship across Europe and Japan, with work by master ceramicists including Katsuyo Aoki (Japan), Tamsin van Essen (UK) and Ruth Gurvich (France), along with pieces from porcelain manufacturers Meissen, Sèvres, Nymphenburg and Bernardaud.

Tracing Venice

Curated by De Castelli and Zanellato/Bortotto
A site-specific installation composed of works made of a mosaic of different metals with special finishes, which are a tribute to Venice and to the precious mosaic floors of St. Mark’s Basilica. Zanellato/Bortotto’s research is interpreted by De Castelli to tell the centuries-long story of a city exposed to the elements. These works represent the patient and incessant work carried out over time on the decorations of St. Mark and are an authentic and sincere tribute to the lagoon city, describing its fragility but also its resilience in resisting the erosive force of the sea.

Blossoming Beauty

Curated by the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship
In an enchanted fairy tale flower garden envisioned by interior designer and scenographer Sylvain Roca, the Venetian glass manufacturer Venini crafts a collection of glass vases in collaboration with renowned flower designers. They will also design bespoke bouquets to complement these exquisite vases, animated by the idea that “blossoming” is the manifestation of creativity and savoir-faire.

Next of Europe

Curated by Jean Blanchaert and Stefano Boeri Interiors
A cabinet of curiosities will showcase an impressive selection of functional and decorative objects crafted by master artisans who embody the finest European craftsmanship, many of whom are dedicated to passing on their savoir-faire to the next generation or who represent the young generation themselves. Visitors can catch a glimpse of European “living treasures” working in the room, a rare opportunity to witness first-hand how these masters create objects of such fine craftsmanship.

The Artisan: a crafted tea room

Curated by Tapiwa Matsinde
Enter an enchanted oasis: bridging the functionality of a tea room with the creativity of a bohemian interior, the space is furnished with iconic pieces by artisans, designers and artists from all over the world, to create a sense of wonder through everyday gestures like sitting, relaxing, and enjoying a cup of tea.

WAITING with peace and darkness

Curated by Robert Wilson
The iconic American director and visual artist shines a light on the Japanese inspiration behind his theatrical productions, notably Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. This evocative exhibition will allow visitors to be immersed in Wilson’s staging genius, as he transforms the former Gandini 1960s swimming pool into a dramatic theatrical stage with his signature use of lighting, sound, costumes, artworks, videos, props and furniture, created in collaboration with master artisans using time- honoured techniques. Featuring video portraits of Japanese choreographer Suzushi Hanayagi.

Details: Genealogies of Ornament

Curated by Judith Clark
Witness the transformative power of craftsmanship in this multi-layered exhibition designed by Clark with Sam Collins, which showcases 15 luxury maisons dedicated to making the finest watches, tailoring, kimonos, jewellery, and more. Precious objects cluster around a demarcated route and act as mini “constellations” that change their pattern depending on where the visitor is standing. Along the route artisans sit “finishing” the objects on display, both true (they are the master artisans from the 15 participating maisons) and performative. Beautifully crafted wall panels and bespoke tiled floors reflect the heritage of each craft and its tools.

Eilean

Curated by Panerai
Welcome aboard Eilean: step onto a legendary 1936 yacht expertly restored by Italian master artisans. Moored in the Venetian waters off San Giorgio Maggiore island, this beautiful Bermudan ketch, whose name means “Little Island” in Gaelic, was built by boat builders in Scotland. Admire the beauty of her design, the quality of her materials and discover the meticulous craftsmanship of the Italian master artisans who brought her back to life.

Main partners

The Japan Foundation, established in 1972 in Tokyo, develops international cultural exchange programmes globally. The foundation’s aim is to promote Japanese culture to the world through programmes and activities in the following categories: art, cultural exchange, Japanese-language education and Japanese studies. The foundation has a global network, with 25 overseas branches in 24 countries. As part of their cultural programme, the foundation offers successful applicants support in the form of grants, research scholarships and training opportunities. jpf.go.jp/e/

As a family foundation and a public-interest foundation at the same time, the Fondation Bettencourt Schueller has chosen to “take talents to the top” to contribute to France’s success and influence. To this end, the Foundation seeks, selects, supports and promotes women and men who are rethinking our future in three fields that make a tangible difference to the common good: life sciences, the arts and an inclusive society. With a philanthropic mindset, the foundation takes action through prizes, donations, personalised support, effective communication and co-created initiatives. Since the Foundation was founded in 1987, it has awarded prizes to 620 laureates and supported more than 1,000 projects led by talented individuals, teams, associations and organisations. fondationbs.org

Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri d’Arte is a private, non-profit institution founded in 1995. Based in Milan, it promotes cultural, academic and educational initiatives for the protection and diffusion of artistic crafts. The Fondazione Cologni’s mission is to inspire a “new Renaissance” of the artistic crafts and rescue them from the threat of extinction. Many of its initiatives focus on young people and training future generations of artisans. fondazionecologni.it

Fondazione Giorgio Cini is a non-profit cultural institution based in Venice, Italy. Established by Vittorio Cini in 1951 with the aim of creating an international cultural centre re-integrating San Giorgio Maggiore island into the life of Venice and the region, today it is an important centre of humanistic studies and encourages the creation and development of educational, social, cultural and artistic institutions in the surrounding territory. cini.it

Official carrier

Thanks to the event’s partnership with Frecciarossa by Trenitalia, who have been chosen as the official carrier, visitors can travel in comfort and make an eco-friendly choice to reach Venice by train.