Italian textile company i-Mesh launches contemporary tapestry collection with international artists for Expo 2025
So, there's this Italian company called i-Mesh, started by Alberto Fiorenzi in 2014 in Castelfidardo, Marche. They developed a unique multi-axial fabric, originally meant for sails, but now it’s being used in architecture too. Fiorenzi, along with the late architect Cristiano Toraldo di Francia, who died in July 2019, launched a project called 'Arazzi Contemporanei.' This initiative invites artists to create original works using the flexible, breathable fabric. Some featured artists include Alberonero, Graphic Surgery, and Marco Ferreri, with their pieces displayed at Palazzo Gallo in Osimo. For Expo 2025 in Osaka, new tapestries by Kengo Kuma and others were showcased in the Italy Pavilion, designed by Mario Cucinella Architects.
Key facts
- i-Mesh was founded in 2014 in Castelfidardo, Marche, Italy.
- The patented fabric originates from nautical and aerospace materials.
- The 'Arazzi Contemporanei' project was conceived by Alberto Fiorenzi and Cristiano Toraldo di Francia.
- Cristiano Toraldo di Francia died in July 2019.
- The collection includes works by 11 artists/studios: Alberonero, Cristiano Toraldo di Francia, Graphic Surgery, Giovanna Latis, Ippolito Fleitz Group, Lis Beltran & Alberto Lievore, Marco Ferreri, Pierpaolo Pitacco, Rona Meyuchas-Koblenz.
- Four new tapestries were created for Expo 2025 Osaka: by Yuko Nagayama, Kengo Kuma, Tomo Ara, and Migliore + Servetto.
- The Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 was designed by Mario Cucinella Architects.
- Kengo Kuma's tapestry 'Fuku-Ori' uses the Japanese Kumiko technique.
- Tomo Ara's work 'Cascata/Griglia Morbida' is an homage to Cristiano Toraldo di Francia and references Superstudio.
- The tapestries are exhibited at Palazzo Gallo in Osimo.
Entities
Artists
- Alberto Fiorenzi
- Cristiano Toraldo di Francia
- Alberonero
- Graphic Surgery
- Giovanna Latis
- Ippolito Fleitz Group
- Lis Beltran
- Alberto Lievore
- Marco Ferreri
- Pierpaolo Pitacco
- Rona Meyuchas-Koblenz
- Yuko Nagayama
- Kengo Kuma
- Tomo Ara
- Migliore + Servetto
- Renzo Piano
- Mario Cucinella
Institutions
- i-Mesh
- Palazzo Gallo
- Expo 2025
- Padiglione Italia
- Mario Cucinella Architects
- Superstudio
- Artribune
Locations
- Castelfidardo
- Marche
- Riviera del Conero
- Adriatic Sea
- Valencia
- Osimo
- Osaka
- Japan
- Italy