29th August- 29 November 2012
www.lestanzedelvetro.it? www.cini.it
For fans of Italian architecture and glass design – here is a show not to miss out on!
On August 28th 2012, an exhibition of the Venetian born Italian architect, Carlo Scarpa will open. The exhibition is a reconstructed celebration of Scarpa’s creative development, as artistic director of the Venini Glassworks from 1932 ?to 1947. The exhibition is curated by Marino Barovier and features over 300 pieces including designs, and materials from the archives including prototypes, one of a kind items, original drawings and designs, plus period photographs and archive documents.; some works will be shown for the first time and many are from major international public and private collections.
Italian architect, Carlo Scarpa was born in Venice (1906–1978) and was influenced by the materials, landscape, and the history of Venetian culture, and Japan. He reshaped the forms used by Venini and influenced all 20th century glass making with his “Modern” designs, new color coatings, and new techniques. He gave up glass design during WW2 to devote his talents to architecture. Scarpa is considered the “brand name” in investment quality collectable glass.
During his Murano period, Scarpa further developed his interests in experimentation and craftsmanship and the show provides a unique opportunity to compare his work as a glass and furniture designer and his architecture.
“When thinking about Scarpa his output as an architect immediately springs to mind but it is little known however in his early years he spent most of his time working with the Murano Glass-Kilns, and this experience greatly contributed to his formation of his persona as an architect “
, comments Barovier.
The opening of this show also marks the inauguration of a new permanent exhibition space designed to host a series of solo and group shows featuring international artists, both contemporary and historical, that will showcase the art of Venetian glassmaking in the 20th century. Featuring the works of those that have used glass during their careers, as an original means of expression and medium for researching their own personal aesthetics. The building chosen for Le Stanze del Vetro (Rooms for Glass) exhibition is the left?wing of the ex-Convitto (a former boarding school) on the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore, with 650 square metres of exhibition space.
The renovation of this -unutilized building was designed by Selldorf Architects? (www.selldorf.com), in collaboration with architects Fabrizio Cattaruzza? and Francesco Millosevich ?
Carlo Scarpa. Venini 1932-1947. ?from August 29th to November 29th?
www.lestanzedelvetro.it? www.cini.it
Words: Beverly Luckings
