Homo Faber Event returns to Venice in 2022 with three weeks entirely dedicated to the art of craftsmanship, from 10 April to 1 May. For its second edition, the event turns the spotlight on the excellence of the masters of art at an international level, with a special focus on the masters of Japan, from the craft traditions of the Land of the Rising Sun to its influence on European art creativity. Twelve National Living Treasures, a prestigious designation given to Japan’s best masters, will be displayed in the exhibition.

With a total of fifteen exhibitions, the event – housed on the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore and in the architectural complex of the Giorgio Cini Foundation – thus supports craftsmen and their savoir-faire, narrating their journey together with the territorial influences that enrich their work: some encounters will invite visitors to meet the craftsmen and share moments with them as they work, while others will bring craftsmanship to life through inspiring set designs.

This year, the curatorial parterre includes designers, curators, and architects worldwide, including Jean Blanchaert, Frédéric Bodet, Stefano Boeri, David Caméo, Judith Clark and Michele De Lucchi. This year, the Young Ambassadors program will also be present, animating the exhibition spaces with its talented students, selected from the best schools of applied arts and design from all over Europe, who will be on hand to offer guided tours to visitors.

Among the proposals, we find architect Michele De Lucchi and his studio AMDL CIRCLE with Magnae Chartae, an exhibition dedicated to paper processing and the importance of the various processes in the related creative processes. The second Italian name present, Stefano Boeri, will collaborate with gallery owner Jean Blanchaert: Next of Europe will be a modern cabinet de curiosités, hosting a wide selection of objects made by master craftsmen.

Japanese photographer Rinko Kawauchi will show us the ateliers of Japan’s Living National Treasures in The Ateliers of Wonders through a series of shots, whose work is presented in the following exhibition 12 Stone Garden. Here objects made by Japanese masters will be on display, including kimonos, an Urushi lacquer harp, and a bamboo flower basket.

Curated by designer Sebastian Herkner, Pattern of Crafts invites artisans and ateliers to interpret the geometric motif of the parvis in front of the Basilica of St George using marble, mosaic, wood inlay, textiles, and other techniques.

British curator Tapiwa Matsinde presents an enchanted oasis with The Artisan: a handmade tea room, bridging the gap between the functionality of a tearoom and the creativity of a bohemian interior. The space is furnished with iconic pieces by artisans, designers, and artists worldwide to create a sense of wonder through everyday gestures such as sitting, relaxing, and enjoying a cup of tea.

In the exhibition Waiting with peace and darkness, recording and visual artist Robert Wilson reveals the Japanese influences behind his theatre productions, particularly Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. An evocative exhibition allows the public to immerse themselves in his ingenious stage performances within the premises of the former Gandini swimming pool, transformed for the occasion into an exceptional stage. Lights, sounds, costumes, works of art, videos, props and furnishings are created with a team of master craftsmen using ancient techniques.

Opening image: San Giorgio Maggiore Island, Giorgio Cini Foundation, Venice. Courtesy © Fondazione Giorgio Cini