From now until September 30th, Venice's Fondazione Giorgio Cini, located on San Giorgio Maggiore Island, is hosting Homo Faber’s “The Journey of Life” exhibition, an immersive exploration of craftsmanship.
Curated by acclaimed Italian director Luca Guadagnino and architect Nicolò Rosmarini, the exhibition highlights handcrafted objects that embody the key episodes of life: birth, love, journeys, dreams and more.
The concept, developed by Hanneli Rupert of the Michelangelo Foundation, invites visitors to witness the beauty of artistry across a range of disciplines. Live demonstrations by craftspeople from all over the world are playing a key part of the exhibition.
Among the many artisans represented, Piaget holds a special place with its display of gold craftsmanship, a hallmark of the maison over its 150-year history. At the Venice event, Piaget bridges the past and present, showcasing both contemporary and patrimonial pieces in an exhibition that emphasises the emotional and tactile qualities of gold.
Piaget and Gold
Gold has been integral to Piaget’s identity since its inception. In the Maison’s “Ateliers de l’Extraordinaire,” artisans have mastered the delicate art of working gold into intricate, emotive pieces. Whether it is modelling, sculpting, engraving or weaving, Piaget’s craftspeople bring this noble metal to life with textures that play with light and movement.
At the Homo Faber exhibition, visitors can see these techniques firsthand. Among the highlights are Piaget’s famous handmade chains, a signature since the 1960s. These intricate chains, showcased in the brand’s Swinging Sautoir watches, are as much about style as they are about craftsmanship, with each link meticulously braided and finished with tassels that exude luxurious tactility.
Also on display are vintage and contemporary Limelight Gala and cuff watches. These pieces create a dialogue between time periods, demonstrating how Piaget continues to innovate using modern techniques while honouring savoir-faire of the past.
Piaget and Venice
Piaget’s involvement in Venice goes beyond Homo Faber. The Maison has had a long-standing relationship with the city, which began in the late 1990s when Piaget sponsored the restoration of Venice’s iconic Clock Tower.
This support extended in 2006 when Piaget aided in the restoration of the two Moors that strike the hours atop the Tower. To this day, Piaget continues to fund the maintenance and revision services of both the Clock Tower and the Clock in Palazzo Ducale.
For Piaget, Venice is not just a location for showcasing its work, but a city with which it shares an authentic, lasting connection.
For more information, please visit the Piaget and Homo Faber websites.
