Carlo Dell’Acqua’s shattered Lina Cavalieri plates at Fornasetti Milan

Barnaba Fornasetti has launched a new exhibition cycle titled 'Fornasetti presenta' at the brand’s Corso Venezia store in Milan, co-curated with Valeria Manzi. The inaugural show, 'S/Oggetti parziali' by artist Carlo Dell’Acqua, runs until November 16 and was previously previewed at Nomad Venice. Dell’Acqua takes Fornasetti’s iconic Lina Cavalieri face—reproduced on plates and teapots—and physically breaks them, then reconstructs the shards into new compositions. The artist describes this process as an act of understanding, not desecration. He spent years living with Cavalieri’s image before bringing the objects into his studio and smashing them. The eye, he notes, remains a universal focal point in every recomposition. The exhibition also features reconstructed architectural spirals of overlapping forms that captivate viewers. The show aims to offer an experience beyond product purchase, redefining the relationship between object and user.