In an enchanting tale of creativity and cross-cultural synergy, celebrated Italian designer and architect Gaetano Pesce received a gift that would lead to a transformative exploration: a package of precious Omani frankincense. This aromatic resin, steeped in history and tradition, kindled Pesce's imagination and prompted a spirited journey of experimentation that culminated in the extraordinary Oman Collection, now on display at Milan Design Week from April 8 to 13.
Born in 1939 in La Spezia, Gaetano Pesce has long been a trailblazer in the worlds of design and architecture, with a career that spans over sixty years. He studied architecture at Venice University, where he championed a manifesto advocating for incoherence in art, arguing for the necessity of change and unique self-expression. Pesce has carved a name for himself through a rich tapestry of projects and teachings, having imparted his wisdom to students at prestigious educational institutions worldwide, including Carnegie Mellon and Cooper Union.
Pesce's works defy conventional boundaries, transcending traditional distinctions between art and design. Each creation serves as a response to the zeitgeist, reflecting a deep sensitivity to the needs of contemporary life. To date, he has received numerous accolades, including the esteemed Chrysler Award for Innovation and Design, as his distinctive style continues to captivate audiences in exhibitions globally.
Through his innovative collaborations with renowned brands such as Cassina and B&B Italia, Pesce has left an indelible mark on the design landscape. Notably, his striking installation for Bottega Veneta in 2022 captured imaginations with its poured resin floor and uniquely crafted chairs, showcasing his relentless pursuit of creativity.
The Oman Collection: Nature and Design Intertwined
The Oman Collection exemplifies the remarkable blend of architectural artistry and the alluring world of perfumery. At the heart of this showcase are three iconic pieces, each born from Pesce’s adventurous spirit and fascination with the potent beauty of the Frankincense tree.
While conceptualising the Oman Collection, Pesce pushed the boundaries of design. He forayed into uncharted territories, experimenting with a pioneering fusion of polyurethanes that allowed for a balance between strength and flexibility.
The "Oman Chair," with its elegant form inspired by the gnarled silhouette of the Frankincense tree, sets a striking precedent. The second piece, the "Oman Chair with Frankincense," takes this creative endeavour a step further by integrating the aromatic resin itself—a material that encapsulates the essence of Wadi Dawkah's resin-rich environment.
Finally, the "Oman Throne" stands as a tribute to the majestic presence of the Frankincense tree, elegantly translating its grandeur into an inviting plastic form.
Pesce’s characteristic use of vibrant colours breathes life into these pieces, infusing them with a playful spirit that captivates the eye and invites curiosity. Each work not only reflects his ingenious creativity but also embodies the rich cultural heritage of Oman.
Hosted in the prestigious Gallery Antonia Jannone Disegni di Architettura, the exhibition is a collaboration between Studio Gaetano Pesce and Contemplazioni—an artistic company dedicated to the creation of immersive exhibitions. Following its successful debut at Art Basel Miami 2023, this presentation at Milan Design Week marks an essential moment in Pesce’s ongoing artistic dialogue, where each piece resonates with profound meaning and a heartfelt homage to the beauty of Oman.
The genesis of the Oman Collection can be traced back to the mutual admiration shared between Gaetano Pesce and Amouage’s chief creative officer, Renaud Salmon. Salmon’s thoughtful gift of Omani frankincense was merely the first step in what would blossom into an extraordinary creative collaboration. In spring 2023, the duo ventured to the stunning Wadi Dawkah, a UNESCO World Heritage site marked by its ancient Boswellia sacra trees, where thousands of years of tradition infuse the air.
During this immersive journey, Pesce found inspiration not only in the natural beauty of the landscape but also in the sustainable and ethical philosophy of the valley. The fruit of this collaboration extended beyond the Oman Collection, as Pesce crafted a visual identity for the site, capturing its essence with a logo that mirrors the unique drop of Frankincense resin.
As Milan Design Week gears up, the exhibition promises to be a highlight, offering a rare glimpse into Pesce’s imaginative process and his ability to connect deeply with materials. Visitors can immerse themselves in the thought-provoking dialogue between man-made forms and the natural world, where innovation flourishes in tandem with tradition.
The Oman Collection, through its playful designs and aromatic undertones, highlights Pesce's belief that art transcends static beauty; it must evoke emotion and engage the senses. Each piece tells a story—of ancient trees that have been revered and harvested for millennia—and invites viewers to breathe in the fragrant histories that have shaped the art of perfumery in Oman.
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