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“Levante” by Alessandro Zambelli: the Great Sea in one object
Unpredictability is creative. In the Latin world, remote from set patterns and standards, it is part and parcel of everyday life. That submerged creativity, associated with the Mediterranean, has inspired the exhibition “Mediterranean Dysfunction” by the designer collective PADIGLIONEITALIA. The venue is Via Oslavia 3, in Ventura Lambrate, the district of Milan most closely linked with independent design. In Alessandro Zambelli’s “Levante” project, Mare Nostrum is a sea of people and objects.
They share positive dysfunctions open to investigation by anthropology. In fact “Levante” views dysfunction as a Mediterranean flair for improvising practical solutions, for deploying the useless to good effect, for finding a way round. Bowls which wobble are a practical example of dysfunction. The problem is solved by wedging a ‘levante’ or prop underneath, restabilising the vessels. The act of propping is creatively dysfunctional. It embodies this Latin talent for finding an immediate solution to one of life’s pressing needs.
Being in need entails openness to other people as a completion of oneself. This impelled the Mediterranean peoples to set sail, borne on the easterly wind from the Levante, in search of new trade, new exchanges. Perhaps this is why PADIGLIONEITALIA is exhibiting in Ventura Lambrate, like a Latin island ready to hold its own in the sea of international design. Finally, the project’s choice of a cork as its prop derives from the rural custom of using of this material to mend everyday objects. The stopper and the earthenware of the bowls are also evocative of wine, one of the most important symbols of Mediterranean culture.
They share positive dysfunctions open to investigation by anthropology. In fact “Levante” views dysfunction as a Mediterranean flair for improvising practical solutions, for deploying the useless to good effect, for finding a way round. Bowls which wobble are a practical example of dysfunction. The problem is solved by wedging a ‘levante’ or prop underneath, restabilising the vessels. The act of propping is creatively dysfunctional. It embodies this Latin talent for finding an immediate solution to one of life’s pressing needs.
Being in need entails openness to other people as a completion of oneself. This impelled the Mediterranean peoples to set sail, borne on the easterly wind from the Levante, in search of new trade, new exchanges. Perhaps this is why PADIGLIONEITALIA is exhibiting in Ventura Lambrate, like a Latin island ready to hold its own in the sea of international design. Finally, the project’s choice of a cork as its prop derives from the rural custom of using of this material to mend everyday objects. The stopper and the earthenware of the bowls are also evocative of wine, one of the most important symbols of Mediterranean culture.
March 26, 2014
Beckmans College of Design
University of Cincinnati
Harrington College of Design
Design Academy Eindhoven
Luca Taiana
Brera Design District
