Diego Cibelli: Ceramics as a Bridge Between Art, Design, and History

Diego Cibelli (born 1987, Naples) is an Italian artist and designer whose work centers on ceramics and porcelain, exploring the relationship between objects, dwelling, and landscape. Trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Berlin and later in design in Naples, Cibelli views ceramics as a material with a geographical dimension that carries anthropological and narrative value. His projects often draw from historical archives, such as the Bourbon engravings and the Royal Factory of Capodimonte, resulting in works like 'L'Arte del danzare assieme' and 'Gates' (2021). Cibelli's practice investigates how objects can testify to human-environment interactions and how beauty stores memory. He is particularly interested in the domestic space of the 20th century and postmodernity, citing Andrea Branzi's ideas on the refounding of the environment from within. His series 'In It tastes like landscape' incorporates fragments and ex-voto references, reflecting Naples' influence on his creative imaginary. Cibelli's work has been exhibited at the Real Fabbrica di Capodimonte and Made in cloister in Naples.