Romantic Brutalism – Photo by Ludovic Balay.
Design. During the early XX century, Poland sought to acclaim its identity and soft power through Brutalist design and architecture. Since then, the style’s values and aesthetics played an important role in the country’s design scene. At the 5VIE design district, the Romantic Brutalism exhibition showcases contemporary crafts and collectable design, bridging history from tradition to modernity. The exhibition is presented by the Visteria Foundation and is curated by Federica Sala.
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Photo by Archipanic.
Across ten rooms and two corridors, Romantic Brutalism juxtaposes contemporary designers’ artworks with historical masterpieces from the past. The exhibition is conceived not as an anthology but a collective vision of how contemporary designers are evolving the national nostalgia. “I wanted to confront the viewer with a kind of reimagining of tradition and a clash of different temperaments,” explains Zuza Paradowska of Paradowski Studio, who curated the set design reminiscent of a theatrical set.
Photo by Ludovic Balay.
Visitors walk into a space dressed in layered and hand-dyed cutouts, a folk tradition from various regions of Poland, affixed to the walls and ceiling. Marek Bimer presents an impressive light design made from resin scales reminiscent of a cloud or a marine creature. It illuminates Formsophy’s massive console table, evocative of raw rock. In the adjoining room, a traditional silhouette of a woman, made from different types of Polish grasses and linen fibres, holds delicate vases.
Romantic Brutalism – Visteria Foundation – ph Ludovic Balay.
Presented on hands-shaped pedestals, Filomena Smoła’s glassware emphasises the transient nature of material things. Jan Ankiersztajn presents an aluminium desk with fluid, organic, and improvised geometries meticulously assembled and welded from multiple hand-shaped panels using traditional coachbuilding techniques.
Photo by Ludovic Balay.
UAU Project pushes the boundaries of what is possible with 3D printing with quirky vessels and a lamp with a drapery-like look. Marcin Rusak’s translucent cabinet is made with resin, flowers, and steel. Art Deco meets contemporary design.
Aleksandra Zawistowska’s exquisite wine glasses stand out for their imperfect and organic forms. Aleksander Oniszh’s chairs integrate architecture, woodworking, and furniture design. Anna Bera’s mirror features a smooth wooden frame with contemporary aesthetics.
Photo by Archipanic.
The Romantic Brutalism exhibition, April 7-13, 10 AM to 7 PM, is on show at Viale di Porta Vercellina 11, Map. Following its debut in Milan, the exhibition will travel to Warsaw to be presented from April 26 to May 15 at the historic Gawroński Villa, which will become the permanent home of the Visteria Foundation and a private art and design museum.
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All photos of Romantic Brutalism are by Ludovic Balay for the Visteria Foundation and Archipanic.
Photo by Archipanic.
