Valentino, Gucci, Moskino, Ferret, Missoni, Ferragamo, Pucci, Cavalli, Fendi, Armani, Alesandro Mendini, Gaetano Pesce, Ettore Sottsass, Giovanni Pontius - these famous names are known even to those who are more or less interested in fashion and design.
Famous Italian quality and style have long won the hearts of lovers of beauty and comfort. Post-war Italy, tormented by aesthetic hunger, focused on the active development of industry, and soon the world heard the melodious Italian names of the creators of the beautiful. Little time passed - and the names "Vespa", "Lambretta" no longer needed to be deciphered, and the Italian coffee maker, designed by the famous architect. Ponty, has become almost a symbol of dolce vita.
But the main breakthrough of Italian designers occurred a little later, in the 60s, when at the I Saloni Milano exhibition, an entire sector was reserved for Italian furniture manufacturers.
Here are just some of the reviews:
"Italian designers do not just create furniture, they look deeper, penetrating into the essence and nature of things."
"Italian designers were not enough to break out of the arms of the past. Bypassing the present, they jumped immediately into the future, creating completely new incredible forms."
And in 1972, the exhibition "Italy: New Inner Landscape" was held at the New York Museum of Modern Art, after which Italy was firmly entrenched in first place. From now on, the world will be guided by the creations of Italian designers.
The name of Italian designer Daniela Chionna is well known in southern Italy. She designs and creates things that can rightfully be called art objects. Openness to experimentation and complete freedom of handling of materials allow her to create without the slightest restriction of the flight of fantasy.
Elegant, with glasses in half-face, with impeccably selected accessories - this is how Daniela met me in a cafe. Over a cup of espresso, we discussed her new project, in short, we talked "about time and about ourselves." Introducing an exclusive interview by Daniela Chionna to readers of Italy for Me.
- Daniela, everyone who comes to your site (danielachionna.it - approx. editorial staff), immediately sees the famous quote from one of the founders of abstract art, Vasily Kandinsky: “A new science of art can only arise when signs become symbols and when an open eye and ear allow us to pave the way from silence to speech.” What determines the choice of this quote?
- For me personally, this quote contains the meaning and essence of art. It is necessary not only to hear, but also to listen sensitively to everything that is happening around you. Then you can comprehend not only the external, but also what is happening inside you. But self-realization is the meaning of art.
- Who influenced your choice to become an artist? Tell about your teachers.
- My first teacher was my father. Since childhood, I lived in an atmosphere of art, because all members of my family were somehow connected with art. Famous artists and artists always gathered in my parents ’house, I listened to their conversations, visited exhibitions and always felt like a part of this world, despite my young age. In fact, my profession was predetermined. In general, in life I was lucky to meet outstanding people from whom I studied not only the profession, but also life. And yet I managed to understand one truth - the biggest teacher is inside me.
- You often take part in various exhibitions and projects. Do you think that an artist always needs feedback, what does the opinion of the audience mean to you?
- I think the opinion of the so-called public has an important, but not decisive opinion for the artist. At that moment, when the viewer looks at a work of art, he enters into a relationship with him, the work will always cause emotions in the viewer. If positive, then the artist, of course, will be pleased, if not, then in any case, the artist must follow his own path. A true artist does not adapt to the viewer, and the viewer does not fit the artist. The viewer only resonates at the frequency of the creator.
“We are all waiting for your new jewelry collection.” What will she be dedicated to?
- In September 2014, a new collection of jewelry will be launched. This is an Art-a-Porte collection dedicated to my mom. And she is named after her name - Nina Joyeuse. The collection is made of material very similar to papier-mâché, hand-decorated. Each piece is like real paintings. These are jewelry created for sophisticated women who love to fantasize.
- Who is your ideal customer?
- My ideal client is, of course, an unusual person, a person very free from conventions, but at the same time very deeply sensitive and able to handle symbols. My collectors love to surround themselves with beauty and create an atmosphere of joy around them. And I'm happy that I help them with this.
- Italy has long been the cradle of world civilization. Do you use the great achievements of Italian masters, artists, sculptors and musicians in your works?
- I am proud of the grand cultural heritage of my country. Of course, all the great names of the Renaissance are somehow invisibly present in my work. Throughout the year, I travel a lot to visit the largest exhibitions of Italian and foreign artists, to understand what the world lives. Yes, I cannot live without jazz and, of course, without Puccini's music.
- How do you assess contemporary art, where the subject of the artist’s research can be anything. Where is the line - art or not art?
- I do not divide art into classical and modern. Art is either there or not. Art is always an expression of a person’s soul and his time, and if there is truth in a work, then it will be timeless. For me, the works of Caravaggio are no more important than the works of contemporary great artists. We only resonate with time, but universal values and our emotions are unchanged.
Interview took Nadezhda Fedenko
Photo by Antimo Altavilla
