The new Vincenzo De Cotiis Foundation in Venice is guided by light and history
Vincenzo De Cotiis Foundation in Venice opens its doors capturing the essence of the Italian designer’s contemporary storytelling
Perched on the grand canal, inside 15th century Palazzo Giustinian Lolin, the new Vincenzo De Cotiis Foundation opened its doors during the inauguration of Venice Biennale 2024. The space is an evolution of what was known as De Cotiis Venice, and captures the essence of the Italian designer’s contemporary storytelling through the lens of ancient Venetian culture.
Vincenzo De Cotiis Foundation
‘It has been a long time coming,’ says Claudia Rose De Cotiis, president of the foundation, discussing her and Vincenzo’s affinity to the history and unique light that floods the city of Venice. Seeing the foundation as a hub of exhibitions, public art and installations, the venue opens with a show titled ‘Archeology of Consciousness’ featuring three monumental arches by Vincenzo De Cotiis, creating a dialogue between the cityscape, the surrounding water and humanity.
The edifices are similar to the passageways found throughout Venice and its winding streets. ‘The arch is an old structure,’ says Vincenzo, ‘one that has served countless civilisations both structurally and aesthetically.’ Here, the passage is a metaphorical one: ‘my artworks stand removed from function, and instead offer significant value to those who experience them as portals to philosophical understanding and spiritual enlightenment.’
You can’t think of Vincenzo De Cotiis sculptures and not associate them with deep brasses and intense marble, and these powerful works are a true fusion of the two. But this mix sees the addition of Murano glass and fiberglass, further connecting to the context of Venice.
‘These are materials that I use recurrently throughout my practice, due to the way they interact with each other, their various refractive properties, and also their wildly different internal natures,’ says Vincenzo. A journey from dusty pink to deep red marble occurs in the different arches. The natural waterways of Venice are an influence, too. ‘The interaction between marble and water, edifice and lagoon, is a marvel and teaches you that being led by nature is key to bringing a material to life.’
Across the foundation, more of De Cotiis’ work seamlessly moves through the baroque interiors. ‘Venice has always served as an inspiration for me, long before we had plans to set up the Foundation here,’ he remarks, and this is seen through the sculptural forms of seating and tables that transport you back to when this location was a family home in the 17th century. Three centuries later, it housed the Ugo and Olga Levi Foundation for Music Studies.
True to this legacy, there’s hopes for the foundation to continue as a space for symphonics, as Claudia shares they may ‘dive into new territories like contemporary music.’ Research is certainly high on the agenda with the Foundation’s future displays, as Claudia asserts, it is a ‘force that is needed for originality and for creativity.’
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Sujata Burman is a writer and editor based in London, specialising in design and culture. She was Digital Design Editor at Wallpaper* before moving to her current role of Head of Content at London Design Festival and London Design Biennale where she is expanding the content offering of the showcases. Over the past decade, Sujata has written for global design and culture publications, and has been a speaker, moderator and judge for institutions and brands including RIBA, D&AD, Design Museum and Design Miami/. In 2019, she co-authored her first book, An Opinionated Guide to London Architecture, published by Hoxton Mini Press, which was driven by her aim to make the fields of design and architecture accessible to wider audiences.
-
Art Basel returns to Paris: here is everything to see and do
Art Basel Paris 2024 (18 - 20 October 2024) returns, opening at the newly renovated Grand Palais
By Amah-Rose Abrams Published
-
PAD London’s 16th edition is a blisteringly optimistic case for human achievement
At PAD London, collectible design is more than rarefied furniture; it is a compelling case for the uplifting power of craftsmanship at the dawn of the AI revolution
By Hugo Macdonald Published
-
Aston Martin bring the Midas touch to their super tourer with the DB12 Goldfinger Edition
Released in honour of the sixtieth anniversary of the iconic James Bond film, Aston Martin has gone all out to the DB12 Goldfinger Edition a worthy collector’s item for high rolling film fans
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
‘You should not take yourself too seriously or you risk becoming boring’: Luca Guadagnino and Nicolò Rosmarini on Homo Faber 2024
As the design and film worlds flocked to Venice at the weekend for Homo Faber and the Venice Film Festival, Wallpaper* sat down in a cool salon with two men in hot demand to take their temperature on craft, interiors and gold leaf cable covers
By Hugo Macdonald Published
-
Venice Glass Week 2023 explores the future of glassmaking
Venice Glass Week 2023: from a floating furnace to upcycled Murano glass, the international festival (until 17 September) celebrates the art of fire and glassmaking
By Ifeoluwa Adedeji Published