Design in the shadows: Milan hosts “Dark Times, Bright Signs”

At Delvis (Un)Limited Gallery on Via Fatebenefratelli, a journey through shadows, materials, and forms exploring interiority and the contemporary language of international design

“Dark Times, Bright Signs” is now on view at Delvis (Un)Limited Gallery in Milan, at Via Fatebenefratelli 9. This international design exhibition offers a distinctive journey through form, material, and the inner self. Curated with a focus on emotional depth and contemporary aesthetics, the show invites visitors to engage with powerful works by both emerging voices and established names in the global design scene.

Among the exhibitors: international designers and works that speak to the soul

Panorammma

Known for its innovative use of chainmail, an ancient material reimagined through expert craftsmanship, Panorammma creates pieces that transcend function.
Works like the Chainmail Chair become symbolic expressions of a body open to intense emotional states. Meanwhile, the Fisherman Hook Chandelier is a one-of-a-kind piece that fuses recycled elements with organic forms, evoking a mysterious, almost alien presence.

Jirah

An artist and performer, Jirah brings to life a poetic and deeply personal journey of self-exploration. His opening performance activated the exhibited sculptures, including the Corseted – Ceremony Seat — a piece that evokes the quiet spirituality of old American chapels and symbolizes the ongoing transformation of personal identity.
Works like the Boulder Table and Hammock Chair blend nature and sacredness, shaping spaces of intimacy and contemplation.

Diaphan Studio

With Horizon, Diaphan Studio captures the delicacy and complexity of the natural world through a luminous sculpture inspired by crystallography. The piece shifts between a quiet, dormant state and one that lights up—evoking sunrise or sunset—inviting viewers to reflect on the fragile balance of our ecosystem.

Natalia Triantafylli

She experiments with the contrast between natural and synthetic materials, combining handcrafted ceramics with 3D-printed plastics. Her works, suspended between the earthly and the surreal, create a disorienting effect that challenges traditional perceptions of design.

Duccio Maria Gambi

He uses materials like marble and mirror to create a dialogue between humans and nature.
His reflective sculptures transform the surrounding space, engaging the viewer in a play of perceptions and identity.

Joy Herro

With the vase Still Here, she represents resilience and hope in difficult times. The artist combines a strong, almost military aesthetic with a symbol of life and growth—the green plant inside.

Unicoggetto / Zihan Zhao

He brings ancient textile techniques back to life with Khipu / Rope-Making, a work that interprets knots and braided fibers as a primal language of communication and cultural identity.

Wei Xiaoyan

With Opia, he explores the Eastern aesthetic of shadow and light, creating a glass object that invites silent resistance and coexistence with darkness, expressing a profound humanity.

A carefully curated and immersive installation

Expertly curated by Valentina Ciuffi, with creative vision by Studio Vedèt and immersive installation by Space Caviar, the exhibition invites visitors into a captivating world where innovative materials and deep meanings intertwine — creating a truly unforgettable design experience.