During Milan Design Week, an event typically dominated by furniture displays, architect Massimiliano Locatelli introduces a captivating artistic endeavor, shifting focus to architectural finishes with an innovative twist on ceramic mosaic murals. His 'Glazed Bar' installation at SiMa Townhouse transforms the three-story space into an immersive gallery, reinterpreting an ancient art form with modern sensibility.
Locatelli's project draws deeply from the rich historical tapestry of mosaic art, a technique with roots stretching back to Roman antiquity, evident in the detailed floors of Pompeii and the shimmering Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna. The craft also saw a resurgence in early 20th-century Milan, adorning grand entryways. Locatelli, having discovered this intricate technique through Vietnamese artisans during a residential commission, now champions its revival. These skilled craftspeople meticulously assemble elaborate, wall-sized pictorial scenes from diverse ceramic fragments, imbuing each mural with a unique tactile and sculptural quality that breathes new life into the traditional medium.
The installation at SiMa Townhouse is designed as a narrative journey through three distinct floors. Guests are first greeted on the ground floor by a whimsical bar area featuring a sky and cloud motif, playfully integrated with the cocktail menu. Ascending to the first floor, visitors encounter a tribute to Milan's iconic Teatro alla Scala, with its plush red velvet boxes recreated in minute ceramic tiles. The uppermost level culminates in a pastoral farmyard scene, complete with charming pecking chickens and fruit-laden trees. This progression, from the ethereal sky to the urban theater and finally to the rustic countryside, offers a multifaceted exploration of mosaic art's expressive potential.
Locatelli's work at the 'Glazed Bar' transcends mere exhibition; it is a celebration of enduring craftsmanship and artistic ingenuity. By blending historical techniques with contemporary design, he not only pays homage to a timeless art form but also inspires a renewed appreciation for the beauty and complexity of mosaic, proving that ancient traditions can flourish in the modern world.