In an era dominated by digital technology and its pervasive influence across every sector, 5VIE and its ever-expanding range of events offer a welcome return to the ‘analogue’ experience. The district’s Design Week is guided by the theme ‘QoT – Qualia of Things‘, in which ‘qualia’ (a term that replaces ‘internet’) refers to the subjective and qualitative aspects of conscious experiences – the ‘feel’ of perceiving something. The extensive 5VIE exhibition aims to create private experiences and evoke emotions, shifting the focus from the connectivity of devices to the ability of objects to engage our senses. This demonstrates the ability of design to unite perception and sensation. The centrepiece of the event, which forms part of Milan’s Fuorisalone programme running from 20 to 26 April, will once again take place at the Cavallerizze del Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci (Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology) in Via Olona, as well as at Palazzo Correnti in Via Cesare Correnti. Many of the district’s proposals and 5VIE productions will be concentrated here.
The expressive and formal power of matter is explored by Marco Guazzini in the installation Resonance, curated by Maria Cristina Didero, a metaphysical landscape of colors, textures, and shapes that flow through a continuous tubular system offering infinite combinations. Similarly, Cosmic Meadow, an installation by Australian artist Elizabeth Lewis created in collaboration with SWING Design Gallery, displays a collection of ceramics inspired by the animal world and mythology. Then there is the sculpture La fiamma che non Brucia (The Flame That Does Not Burn) by Giuditta Vettese, which invites reflection on the body and the circle as a state of continuous generation. Finally, the exhibition Jōmon Vessels by Japanese artist Noe Kuremoto showcases sculptural vases that celebrate the complexity of motherhood and serve as a tribute to mothers.
Then there are the immersive installations. These include ALMA WATER by Sara Ricciardi Studio, a room inspired by the sea that transports visitors to the heart of Sardinia’s waters, and Bar Trattoria Altra Vista’s Sala Giochi installation, which combines design, art, craftsmanship, gastronomy and the Italian lifestyle in a single experiential environment centred on the digital windows of Anotherview, the project’s curator.
Also of note are the exhibitions Sparkling Water by Federica Sala and Antropico by Gupica. Sparkling Water showcases a new collection of unique glass and precious stone pieces developed around the theme of water, while Antropico is an installation created for Besana Carpet Lab that explores the relationship between humans, nature and space. It features the Bambù collection of self-produced lamps and the Traccia carpet.
However, there are many more proposals in the district. At the Teatro Arsenale, Art de Vivre is presenting Humberto Campana’s Floralis textile collection. At CASAORNELLA, Maria Vittoria Paggini has designed and directed an interior design project entitled Animale sociale – Nessuno mi può giudicare (Social Animal – No One Can Judge Me), which restores the home to its most fundamental purpose: living is relationships. David/Nicolas present the independent project La Boiserie in their studio in Via San Maurilio, the result of years of research into architectural surfaces, interiors, and material expression. Meanwhile, HoperAperta is presenting the CLOSE UP – The Shapes of Time. The exhibition is curated by Maurizio Barberis and Patrizia Catalano at the Mangini Bonomi Museum and explores the temporal, symbolic and formal value of image-objects.
