During this year’s PAD London, Movimento Gallery presented Marks of Existence, an exhibition designed and styled by Artefatto Design Studio. The immersive space, celebrating the richness of organic material, is intentionally limited to just three: Travertino Ascolano, a classic stone prized around the world for its undulating texture and depth of color, a wooden Ikat weave, highlighting the beauty in natural imperfection, and a fiber composite, lacquered to a super glossy, high-shine finish. The nine designers worked within these constraints to produce nine distinct designs, each their own unique take on how these three players can come together in harmony.
This exhibition centers around the Buddhist philosophy surrounding the presence and balance of life – marks of existence. From the gallery, “In Buddhism, the three marks of existence are three undeniable truths of all that exists: impermanence, imperfection and incompleteness. The three marks of existence have inspired numerous ideologies around the world that search for beauty in the imperfect, embrace the incomplete and celebrate the impermanent.” This collection does just that, mirroring technological advancement with materials that have been around for eons. Blending the ancient and modern, Marks of Existence manages to step outside both traditions to create something collaborative and fresh.
Remarkably futuristic yet reminiscent of another time, the CVX Console from Artefatto Design Studio curves gently around a singular platform. The high gloss finish over the warm-toned gray combined with the solidity of the footprint evokes a spaceship feeling, a captain’s console overlooking the main flight deck. This color is so nostalgic for many of us, gracing the earlier versions of technology we might have grown up with.
Artefatto makes immersion apparent from the similar tone between the floor and the walls. This, along with offset lighting panels spanning the whole width of the ceiling, adds to the encompassing effect unique to the exhibition. The deep brick red lets the cooler-hued upholstery shine, like in Artefatto’s Mesoa Lounge Chair, while the yellow tones in the stone are accented beautifully, seen here in the Era Mirror, by Studio Zero, and 0 to 1 Side Table, by Celo1 Studio.
Modern and sculptural, the Rest Side Table, by Estudio Persona, subverts the usual forms we would think to see in stone: a statue, a tabletop, a column. This ancient material is bisected by what might be the same curve we see in the CVX Console – a broad, generous stroke, halving the otherwise rectangular block.
Another piece by Artefatto, the Mesoa Bench is a low, elegant bench, framed by two solid legs, cradling the leather seat that sits immediately on top to form a stately, robust piece. Below, the Swell Chair, by Atelier Sohn, sits up, utilizing the same high gloss finish as other pieces in the collection. Seeming to want to squeeze out of itself, the chair explores the aesthetic and functional potential of an imperfect state.
In 2020, Movimento Gallery was established in London. Since then, they have added bases in Milan, expanding their reach. They curate pieces that bridge the intersection of art and design, all unique items from across the globe. These objects have cultural histories, can evoke emotion, or provoke thought, stirring emotions deep within us. Pure expressions of creativity, this work forms the bedrock for our simplest mode of connection, art. With contributors from around the world, Movimento Gallery celebrates global perspectives, presenting contemporary designs through a diverse lens.
Artefatto’s motto, “Art. Design. Chaos.” is in full show here, blending the detail-driven design mentality with the creativity and freedom of art. A multidisciplinary design studio, they span multiple industries, from showrooms and set design, to exhibitions and furniture. Expert curators of the built environment, they balance complex briefs with simple solutions for an overall stunning outcome.
Federica Biasi’s Zenit Table sits low, yet yields a high impact. Highly polished wood sits resting above a broadly curving base, incredibly thin for a stone piece of this size. Underneath, the strong stone steadies the rest, sturdy and supportive. Like the name suggests, this table was inspired by the height of the sun in the sky, at it’s zenith. Simplicity is the best designer, seen here in the Febe Stool, by Federica Elmo, as well.
The Stack Console, from Pietro Franceschini, is a stately addition to any interior, with strong, inky legs adorned with rectangular protrusions and a classic Travertino Ascolano top.
In 2020, Movimento Gallery was established in London. Since then, they have added bases in Milan, expanding their reach. They curate pieces that bridge the intersection of art and design, all unique items from across the globe. These objects have cultural histories, can evoke emotion, or provoke thought, stirring emotions deep within us. Pure expressions of creativity, this work forms the bedrock for our simplest mode of connection, art. With contributors from around the world, Movimento Gallery celebrates global perspectives, presenting contemporary designs through a diverse lens.
For more on Marks of Existence, please click here. For more on Artefatto Design Studio, please visit here.
Photography by Marcello Maranzan.
