Curated by Adorno
Milan Design Week, 2024

Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, Varedo, Milan, 2024

Animism, Alcova Milano, 2024. Photo credits: Kacper Banasiak

“What if furniture could speak? We talk about pieces as if they're alive as if they’re people – the sofa goes well with the rug, the lamp has a lot of character, and so on – yet rarely do we entertain the notion that they might truly possess life. While such musings may seem reminiscent of childish fables, throughout nearly all of human history, the animist perspective – that everything, from rocks to rivers, is alive – was the only perspective. Now, the realm of science is steadily expanding the definition of life, challenging our ability to delineate between what is sentient and what is not, beings and things, subjects and objects.

Organized as a banquet of design, this exhibition featured eight chairs seated around a dinner table set with curated treasures, ranging from crafted silver cutlery to hand-blown glasses. Throughout the room pieces were breathing with life; sassy vases are wearing jewelry, thoughtful mirrors reflect, humble tapestries hang, lamps sing silently, and cabinets dance, all engaging in a profound dialogue stretching beyond materials, colors, and culture. Animism invited visitors to engage with these pieces as fellow guests at a gathering. Engage them in conversation, learn their preferences, and befriend them.” - Adorno

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Szkło Studio presented hand-blown glasses, goblets and vases, as well and pieces made in collaboration with Lindsey Fontijn. The collection was hand-crafted in the Netherlands, Poland and Czech Republic.

Animism, Alcova Milano, 2024. Photo credits: Aleksandra Zawistowska

Organised by:
Alcova Milano, Adorno

Curator:
Adorno (Martin Clausens)

Designers and studios presented:
Adir Yakobi, Andredottir Bobek, Edoardo Lietti, Eero Moss, Federica Paglia, Francesc Gasch Studio, Gabor Gobi, Georgiev Zabeta, Giacomo Tomazzi, The Good Living Co., Hasik Design Studio, Isabel Moncada, Jacob Egeberg, Julia Chiaramonti, Lesorr, Lilli Malou Weinhold, Lucas Gutierrez, Lyk Carpet, Nicolas Erauw, Nitush & Aroosh, Olle Sahlqvist, Pani Jurek, Paul Mckee, Project 213a, Riccardo Cenedella, Scatter. D, Sebastião Lobo, Stem, Sticky Glass, Studio MOTO, Studio S II, Szkło Studio, Togigi, Worn Studio, Zanamizo