Homo Faber 2024 exhibition in Venice explores craft, excess, and museum critique through Berger's lens
The Homo Faber exhibition of 2024, held at Venice's Fondazione Giorgio Cini, showcases more than 800 items crafted by over 400 artisans from over 70 nations. Curated by the Michelangelo Foundation, this biennial event delves into 'The Journey of Life' across 11 rooms, designed by Luca Guadagnino and Nicolò Rosmarini. Among the exhibits are chairs, cabinets, tribal masks, dolls houses, watches, and Grayson Perry's 2011 tapestry titled 'The Map of Truths and Beliefs.' Notable design elements include a pink-draped refectory featuring a replica of Paolo Veronese's 'Wedding at Cana' and a mirrored dining table. A dimly lit 'Afterlife' room contains a swimming pool and masks, critiquing the misleading 'mystery' that museums create around art, reflecting John Berger's 1972 critique.
Key facts
- Homo Faber 2024 is the third biennial exhibition celebrating contemporary craftsmanship
- Over 800 objects by 400+ craftspeople from 70+ countries are displayed
- The exhibition is staged at Fondazione Giorgio Cini in Venice
- Design is by film director Luca Guadagnino and architect Nicolò Rosmarini across 11 rooms
- The Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship organizes the event
- The exhibition consciously references John Berger's 1972 'Ways of Seeing' critique of museums
- Displays include Grayson Perry's 2011 tapestry 'The Map of Truths and Beliefs'
- Some objects come from luxury brands under the Richemont group
Entities
Artists
- John Berger
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Grayson Perry
- Paolo Veronese
- Luca Guadagnino
- Nicolò Rosmarini
Institutions
- Fondazione Giorgio Cini
- Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship
- UK National Gallery
- Louvre
- Richemont luxury group
Locations
- Venice
- Italy