Es Devlin Weaves Magic: 500 Artisans Unite in Venice

Artist Es Devlin has designed an immersive exhibition for the Homo Faber Biennial, held at the Giorgio Cini Foundation in Venice. Titled 'man the maker,' the event, organized by the Michelangelo Foundation, celebrates master craftsmanship from around the globe. Devlin brings together works by 500 artisans from 70 countries, creating a narrative backdrop that uses light, mirrors, and theatrical elements.

The exhibition is inspired by Devlin's childhood experiences with small, contained spaces and projected images. She aims to recreate that sense of wonder and shared imagination, transforming spaces within the Cini Foundation into enchanted episodes. These installations draw attention to the varied languages of artisans and the tactile nature of their creations.

Homo Faber also addresses existential questions about the future of craft and human connection in an increasingly digital world. Devlin emphasizes the importance of remembering where objects come from and the hands that made them, advocating for a reconnection with the physical world and the materiality of craft. The exhibition includes rooms designed to highlight growth, earth, and direct interaction with working artisans.