Homo Faber 2026: Es Devlin Transforms San Giorgio Maggiore with 'An Island of Light'
The fourth edition of the Homo Faber Biennial is set to take place in Venice from September 1-30, 2026. This event is organized by the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship in collaboration with Fondazione Giorgio Cini. The exhibition, titled 'An Island of Light,' features British artist and designer Es Devlin, who will create 15 immersive installations at San Giorgio Maggiore. Visitors can expect to see over 800 handcrafted objects from artisans in more than 70 countries, highlighting the significance of handmade artistry through light and material. Accompanying activities include live demonstrations and workshops. This year also marks the launch of the biennial's American chapter in New York. In a Whitewall interview, Alberto Cavalli, the foundation's director, discusses the collaboration with Devlin and the importance of showcasing the creative process. Devlin's installations, such as 'The Library of Lungs' and 'Full Moon Rising,' emphasize light's role in shaping human values. Cavalli underscores the authenticity and beauty of craftsmanship, asserting that it serves as a contemporary language rather than mere nostalgia.
Key facts
- Homo Faber Biennial fourth edition runs September 1-30, 2026 in Venice.
- Organized by Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship with Fondazione Giorgio Cini.
- Exhibition titled 'An Island of Light' conceived with Es Devlin.
- 15 immersive installations on San Giorgio Maggiore.
- Over 800 objects from artisans in more than 70 countries.
- Includes live demonstrations, workshops, and citywide programming.
- American chapter launching in New York in 2026.
- Alberto Cavalli interviewed by Whitewall.
Entities
Artists
- Es Devlin
- Alberto Cavalli
- Madoda Fani
- Juliette Frescaline
- Seokhyun Jang
- Andriy Voznicki
- Olesya Voznicki
- Leonardo Cappellini
- Clare Celeste
- Gabriela de Sagarminaga
- Simone Crestani
- Daniele Davitti
- Didi NG Wing Yin
- Oliver Chalk
- Maki Imoto
- Yuna Kim
- Kim Yoonbae
- Alberto Parise
- Veronese
- Giulia Marani
- Luca Guadagnino
- Stefano Boeri
- India Mahdavi
- Judith Clark
- Robert Wilson
- Franco Cologni
- Johann Rupert
- Henri Focillon
- Charles Kaisin
- Caterina Roma
- Mili Couto
- Clare Celeste Borsch
- Susanna Pozzoli
- Giulio Ghirardi
- Mar Puig Soler
- Lola Moser
- Matteo De Fina
- Cian Oban-Smith
- Alessandra Chemollo
Institutions
- Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship
- Fondazione Giorgio Cini
- Homo Faber Biennial
- Whitewall
- Southern Guild
- Design Museum London
- Bonotto
- Artribune
- Compagnie Financière Richemont
- Pinacoteca di Brera
- Homo Faber Guide
- Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity & Craftsmanship
- Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri d'Arte
- Homo Faber Fellowship
- Young Ambassadors program
- Homo Faber in Città
- designboom
- Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg
- Aucella Atelier
- Es Devlin Studio
- Bottega Ghianda
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- San Giorgio Maggiore
- New York
- United States
- San Giorgio Maggiore Island
- Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore
- 30124 Venice
- Kingston upon Thames
- United Kingdom
- London
- Milan
- Island of San Giorgio Maggiore
- Fondazione Giorgio Cini
- Geneva
- Switzerland
- Gandini pool
- Cenacolo Palladiano
- Borges Labyrinth