The Salone del Mobile pays a tribute to Leonardo with two impressive installations as a preview of Milan’s celebrations for the 500th anniversary of his death
Aqua. The installation in the city
“AQUA. Leonardo’s vision” is a site-specific experience designed by Marco Balich, developed with Balich Worldwide Shows, illustrating how Leonardo worked with water, an element that fascinated him. From 5 to 14 April (10am-10pm), the Conca dell’Incoronata on via San Marco, whose construction works were presumably supervised by Leonardo – who designed the famous wooden doors –, is covered by an architectural insert. In fact, it hosts a great expanse of water featuring a LED screen that shows Milan’s future with a skyline that changes depending on the time of the day. Below the structure, inside the canal, a cabinet of curiosities allows visitors to experience the beauty, energy and shape of water also thanks to cutting-edge technologies.
De-Signo. The installation at the Salone del Mobile
“DE-SIGNO. The art of Italian design before and after Leonardo” is an installation conceived by Davide Rampello and designed by Alessandro Colombo that celebrates Leonardo’s work and his legacy to design and craftsmanship. At Rho-Fieramilano, hall 24, from 9 to 14 April, (9:30am-6:30pm), through the languages of cinema and theatre, a music and visual show illustrates Leonardo’s design skills and the industriousness of Renaissance workshops compared with contemporary design companies.
The show takes place in a 400 sq m space that hosts an impressive scenography dominated by two archways (6m high and 3m wide) entirely handmade by master sculptors and painters, inspired by Bramante’s original drawings and studies, the most prestigious architect in Leonardo’s time.
No city had the same privilege as Milan in enjoying Leonardo’s fruitful presence for so many years. During twenty years, he offered Ludovico Sforza the best of his creativity. With the two installations characterized by high quality and evocative power, the Salone del Mobile.Milano confirms its deep connection with Milan, offering both citizens and international visitors unforgettable cultural and emotional experiences.
[Text Laura Galimberti]
