Clay
Bitossi, 2019
Researching the archives of the ceramic company Bitossi1, Formafantasma focused the attention on two decorative items developed by Aldo Londi2 (former Art Director and long collaborator of Bitossi ceramiche). Londi was used to roughly cut slabs of clay with an iron wire and firing the pieces without further refinement.
Departing from these works, 'Clay'3 is further exploring the raw, expressive qualities of ceramic. The vases are turned on a wheel and later ripped – off of the top. The brutal action exposes the earthly quality of clay. More than designing the pieces, Formafantasma is searching for intuitive production processes to allow the material to be free to perform.
Notes, References and External Links
1. Bitossi Ceramiche. In 1921 Guido Bitossi founded the "Maioliche artistiche Guido Bitossi" factory, proposing a type of production still linked to the tradition and classical styles of the past, combined with research and study on the ceramics products.2. Aldo Londi (1911 – 2003) was a painter, sculptor and primarily ceramist. He created objects that are still part of the history of Italian ceramics.
3. The 'Clay' collection for Bitossi is exploring the raw, expressive qualities of ceramic. The vases are turned on a wheel and later ripped – off of the top. The brutal action exposes the earthly quality of clay.
Contributors
CONCEPT, DESIGN Andrea Trimarchi, Simone FarresinDESIGN DEVELOPMENT Ricard Serasols
PHOTO CREDITS Jeroen Van De Gruiter