Concept
An extraordinary collection of 10 designer projects/totems presented at the latest edition of Milan Design Week, but also a project conceived by Nicoletta Gatti, of great value for environmental protection and the well-being of all. The idea was born in August 2023, following the violent storm that hit Milan in July of the same year, leading to the felling of over 5,000 trees. The designer and curator participated in the municipal competition and recovered some of the fallen tree trunks, involving ten designers to transform them into ten works of art.
The totems explore important themes, questioning the relationship between humans and nature. The projects by Alessandra Baldereschi, “The Memory of the Tree,” and Elena Salmistraro, “The Mutant Fish,” are characterized by a decorative aesthetic with a strong visual impact and reflect on the significance of the memory held by nature and the concept of rebirth through a playful and, at times, provocative representation. “Evergreen” by Mario Trimarchi is a poetic work that speaks of optimism and rebirth. These projects preserve and narrate memories, suggesting the life-death duality and the creative impulse underlying it. Others emphasize transformation and metamorphosis, focusing on the material and the designer’s approach. “Incised” by Federico Peri, “Still Alive” by Marco Piva, and “Sliced” by Francesco Meda explore the essence of wood, modifying it to take on new forms and transforming it into works of art with clean and defined lines. These works celebrate rebirth, exalt the life cycle, and the generative capacity of nature. Giving new life and meaning to the trunks to remind visitors of the respect nature deserves is the focus of the works by Giulio Iacchetti, “One out of Two,” by Zanellato/Bortotto, “If I Were Fire,” and by StudioPepe, “How to Face a Storm.” The projects aim to remind of nature’s ability to regenerate and transform even after destruction, giving new life and meaning to the fallen trees. Finally, “Hereditas” by Nicoletta Gatti evokes the deep relationship between humans and the earth, inviting respect and a true connection with nature, that is, with our roots.
The exhibition will culminate with a public auction conducted by Christie’s on September 11 at the museum, highlighting design and art with a significant goal: to donate new trees to the city of Milan, promoting a green rebirth and strengthening the bond between art, nature, and community.
