TIMELESS ALCHEMY: A JOINT EXHIBITION BY YALI GLASS AND ANTONIA MILETTO
Alchemy is defined as the process of taking something ordinary and transforming it into the extraordinary. It is a transmutation of one substance into another. It possesses an enduring mystery or magic.
In this joint exhibition, jewellery designer Antonia Miletto and YALI glass designer Marie-Rose Kahane explore the transformative qualities of their respective materials, which include glass, wood, metal and gemstones. Whilst their work differs greatly in scale, they share many similarities in their outlook and approach. Based in Venice, both are strongly influenced by nature and organic forms. They treasure the relationships they have with the artisans with whom they work and the high level of trust they have built with them, enabling the successful realisation of their creative vision.
Marie-Rose Kahane founded YALI Glass in 2008, working closely with master glassblowers on the island of Murano to create a simple, timeless collection of tableware, lighting and vases. Subsequently she began to explore other materials such as ceramic, wood and metal, continuing to collaborate with artisans who share her values and sensibilities. This expansion led to the design of the Isola glass tables, which are on show at Nomad St. Moritz 2021. The tables draw inspiration from the irregular and imperfect shapes found in the salt marshes of the Venetian lagoon. Also on show are the recently designed “N O T” chairs which pay homage to Stabelle, the traditional wooden seats of the Engadine and are handcrafted in Samedan by Stefan Trutmann.
Antonia Miletto is a jewellery designer and gemologist based in both Venice and New York. Curious by nature and an avid traveller, she is always on the lookout for unusual gemstones, rare woods and “occasional pieces” to incorporate into her collection. For Nomad ST M 2021 Antonia has created a small series of one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by Venice and its glassmaking tradition. Starting from a collection of old glass micro mosaic plaques, characterized mainly by colourful bouquets of flowers embedded in glass frames, she elegantly combines them with the subdued simplicity of the exotic woods and the preciousness of gold and gemstones. In the book “Jeweler, Master, Mavericks and Visionaries of Modern Design” published by Rizzoli in 2017, author Stellene Volandes describes Antonia Miletto as “the wood whisperer” in the world of contemporary jewellery. Her creations skilfully and elegantly combine the preciousness of gold and gemstones with the subdued simplicity of wood.
8 - 11 July 2021
Nomad St. Moritz, Switzerland
