Davide Groppi Retrospective 'An Hour of Light' Opens at Volumnia Gallery in Piacenza

The Volumnia Gallery in Piacenza is currently hosting a retrospective exhibition titled 'An Hour of Light,' dedicated to lighting designer Davide Groppi. Curated by Marco Sammicheli, the exhibition explores Groppi's creative journey since 1988, featuring iconic lamps, luminous constructions, and scenographic installations. The showcase includes the limited-edition 'Vera' lamp, created exclusively for Volumnia with a lacquered amaranth finish, which uses a holographic bulb illusion. Also on display is the new 'Umasi' lamp, presented here for the first time. Groppi, who founded his eponymous brand in 1988, is known for transforming lighting design into an experiential and emotional practice, drawing inspiration from art, ready-made objects, and magic. His work emphasizes light as a narrative tool that shapes spatial perception rather than merely illuminating environments. The exhibition aims to offer visitors a moment of wonder, reflecting Groppi's philosophy that light should surprise, seduce, and evoke emotion. In an interview, Groppi described his lamps as 'letters of an alphabet' for writing 'stories of light' and expressed his desire for visitors to experience 'the thrill of artificial light, as if it were their first ever vision.' The retrospective runs at Volumnia Gallery, highlighting Groppi's four-decade career and his award-winning, globally recognized designs.