The third edition of this biennale in Venice proves it to be the international benchmark for quality craftsmanship

In its third edition, Homo Faber proves to be the international benchmark for quality craftsmanship. As with its first two editions, this biennial—organized by the Michelangelo Foundation—is being held at the enchanting Giorgio Cini Foundation. This year, artistic direction was deftly handled by director Luca Guadagnino (who concurrently presented his latest film, Queer, at the Venice Film Festival) and architect Nicolò Rosmarini. This year’s theme, The Journey of Life, is explored through 10 installations, ranging from Birth to Afterlife. Further, this year introduces not only European handicrafts but products from all continents. As a result, visitors can admire more than 800 objects made by over 400 artisans from 70 countries, representing 105 different crafts.

Many objects in the exhibition look like one thing, but, in fact, are deceptive. One example is the three-dimensional embroideries of Youmeng Liu, who can recreate everyday foods such as vegetables, ice cream or cake slices—but with a simple thread. During the opening days, the British embroiderer, who is also very popular on Instagram, demonstrated her technique live before visitors’ eyes. Similarly, Julia Obermaier‘s illusions play with everyday life. The erasers she presents at Homo Faber look ready-made but are actually crafted from natural gemstones such as Quartz, Opal, Agate, Lapis lazuli, or resin and pigment.

Throughout, we find classic crafts such as silverware and blown glass, as well as original interpretations of ancient ceramic techniques. The latter describes the work of Claire Lindner, whose glazed stoneware sculptures are reminiscent of soft, floating underwater creatures and time-encrusted surfaces with bright colors that are perfect for the digital world. New York-based artisan Ayako Hirogaki‘s glassware is inspired by the human body and uses an ancient Japanese technique to represent physical and emotional pain. Her sculptures appear to float lightly but are actually solid, complex glass objects.

Manila-based multidisciplinary artist Leeroy New creates intricate masks using all kinds of materials. For Melt Mask, he used elastic silicone that looks like a metamorphosis of a robotic entity, something pretty far from what we’d expect from the tradition of craftsmanship but nevertheless absolutely incredible.

The section of the exhibit dedicated to love is, perhaps unsurprisingly, full of flowers, showcasing crafts such as jewelry and embroidery. The most interesting artifacts, however, are made with unusual materials. Take, for example, the featherworks of Prune Faux, the wax flowers from Mona Oren, the polyester fabric orchids from Permaflora, the silicon bouquets by Gigliola Scagliotti, and the tiny brass daisies by Hyejeong Ko. Each petal is artificial, each leaf is man-made, each flower is an exquisite trompe-l’oeil 

Ceramics also hold many surprises in store at Homo Faber. Philip Kupferschmidt creates functional objects that seem to melt and become imaginary creatures. The effect of Bertozzi & Casoni‘s objects is quite different but just as magical, as ceramics are transformed into still lives full of spoiled food and shattered objects. 

As with previous editions, one can also admire live artisans at work in the exhibition’s main venue. These range from independent workers to employees from great maisons such as Buccellati, Santoni and Lesage. If that were not enough, the Homo Faber in Città circuit allows visitors to discover 70 artisanal workshops across Venice.