Fine leathercraft on display in Venice
The second edition of Homo Faber, an exhibition of fine European artisanship held biannually in Venice, has opened with 15 exhibition spaces and over 850 objects representing 110 different crafts.
Open daily through May 1, it features work by more than 400 artisans and designers, 65 of which will showcase their techniques live, hailing from over 40 different countries. The event is organised by the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship, a non-profit based in Geneva.
This year, Homo Faber also celebrates Japan’s ongoing influence on contemporary European craft, incorporating objects created by 12 Japanese “national living treasures”, artisans considered keepers of the country’s intangible cultural heritage.
Leather artisanship on display includes live demonstrations of British saddle making, in addition to Milanese leathergoods brand Serapian’s Mosaico technique (pictured), which involves weaving strips of lamb nappa together by hand.
Homo Faber was originally the idea of South African entrepreneur Johann Rupert, chairman of Swiss luxury goods group Richemont and co-founder of the Michelangelo Foundation, alongside former Cartier executive Franco Cologni. (Cartier is owned by Richemont.)
The current edition was due to take place in 2020, but it was postponed on account of the covid-19 pandemic.
Image: Serapian, also owned by Richemont.
