An unprecedented showcase of porcelain revealed by contemporary sculptors and renowned manufacturers

Porcelain Virtuosity demonstrates the inventiveness, innovative approaches and contemporary savoir-faire used in porcelain craftsmanship, alongside illustrations of the time-honoured techniques that remain prevalent in the world of porcelain today. 

Ritratti dei curatori David Caméo e Frédéric Bodet Laila Pozzo©Michelangelo Foundation / ©Anthony Girardi

• A magnificent showcase of the know-how and creativity behind contemporary porcelain sculptures and objects from Europe and Japan 

• Pieces by esteemed manufacturers Meissen, Nymphenburg (Germany), Bernardaud and Sèvres (France) created in partnership with famous artists and designers (Chris Antemann, Ruth Gurvich, Humberto et Fernando Campana, Pucci de Rossi, Grégoire Scalabre, Naoto Fukasawa) 

• Works by independent master artisans – Katsuyo Aoki, Hitomi Hosono, Shigekazu Nagae (Japan), Bouke de Vries (Netherlands), Tamsin van Essen (UK), Francois Ruegg (Switzerland) – showcase innovative approaches in the art of porcelain crafting 

In April at Fondazione Giorgio Cini in Venice, Homo Faber Event 2022 unveils Porcelain Virtuosity, imagined by French curators David Caméo and Frédéric Bodet. This exhibition shines a light on the creative craftsmanship and innovative approaches behind outstanding contemporary creations made of porcelain, a ceramic material that is traditionally difficult to work with. 

The selection of pieces, drawn from Europe and Japan, includes artworks by exceptional ceramic sculptors working independently in their own studios, as well as objects resulting from fruitful collaborations between international artists and renowned European porcelain manufacturers. Sèvres will show works crafted with Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa, Italian designer Pucci de Rossi and French ceramic sculptor Grégoire Scalabre. Bernardaud will present its collaboration with Brazilian design duo Humberto and Fernando Campana; Meissen will be represented by the artworks of the American ceramicist Chris Antemann; while Nymphenburg will showcase the creations of Ruth Gurvich, an Argentinian artist based in Paris. 

Together, this selection reveals how contemporary creation is reinvigorating the spirit of the Baroque period and the Rococo style, as certain contemporary ceramic artists draw on the stylistic references of European porcelain manufacturers founded in 18th century. The European fashion in that era for collecting rare and exotic items, and a predilection for porcelain from China – and later, from Korea and Japan too – prompted a wave of chinoiserie style in interior decoration which continued up until the beginning of the 20th century. Porcelain Virtuosity celebrates the splendour of these historical porcelains through the work of contemporary makers who brilliantly realign this decorative heritage with the modern era, and who share the same determination to restore the precious, sensual and spectacular nature of porcelain. 

The exhibition also juxtaposes other recent trends. Providing a contrast to baroque extravagance, some works in the exhibition are more contemplative, minimalist and enigmatic, their aesthetic simplicity and geometric or abstract nature demonstrating equally remarkable and sophisticated techniques, exemplified especially by the work of certain Japanese ceramicists. 

The result is a contemporary ‘cabinet of curiosities’, displayed on the eight long reading tables of the majestic 17th century Longhena Library, an ideal setting for this exhibition, where the sculptures, installations, objets d’art and furniture either complement each other to surprising effect or provoke a fascinating contrast. 

“The outlook today for artisans and contemporary craftspeople depends on those who are willing to exceed expectations, to revitalise and renew their crafts and to entice a younger audience with the sheer power of the craftsmanship and beauty of the final object.” – David Caméo 

Participating creators and manufacturers: 

− Chris Antemann (United States) with Meissen (Germany) 

− Katsuyo Aoki (Japan) − Humberto et Fernando Campana (Brazil) with Bernardaud, Limoges (France) 

− Bouke de Vries (Netherlands / United Kingdom) 

− Naoto Fukasawa (Japan) with Sèvres (France) 

− Ruth Gurvich (Argentina/France) with Nymphenburg (Germany) 

− Hitomi Hosono (Japan) 

− Takahiro Kondo (Japan) 

− Shigekazu Nagae (Japan) 

− Pucci de Rossi (Italy/France) with Sèvres (France) 

− François Ruegg (Switzerland) 

− Grégoire Scalabre (France), with Sèvres (France) 

− Tamsin van Essen (United Kingdom)

Porcelain Virtuosity is set in the Longhena Library at Fondazione Giorgio Cini. It is one of 15 exhibitions that comprise Homo Faber Event 2022, organised by the Michelangelo Foundation. 

Métro – Blue Vase_Naoto Fukasawa Designer 

©Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres