48 Petty transgressions, reckless bursts, malice in proposing, intelligence in looking. Damiani has the shrewdness to grasp even the smallest occasion, and thus creating relationships with a variety of companies, looking for and finding the materials he needs, juxtaposing different parts to bring about even the creation of new typologies. Lorenzo Damiani has redefined many objects with his project: from the table to the mirror, from the cooling fan to the Holy Cross, from the bottle to the comb, and then corkscrews, taps and handles, reinterpreting them not just with his capability to “give shape” but also with his own personal method. A method based on deciphering and reinterpreting objects, drawing from the approach and experience of the disciplines nearer to design, such as art and applied arts, and operating with ever higher clear headedness. Many works by Damiani are the result of his personal experimentations, of manipulations and a great passion for his own “artisan workshop” made of participation, enthusiasm, will to know the matter as well as capability to give intelligence and irony to the same matter. Objects that at a first glance appear “simpli naïve”are the most qualifying result of his work, and thus the demonstra-
tion of Damiani’s enthusiasm to face the project and his easiness in reaching the best synthesis between thought and matter, to get to the shape that interprets at best its own function. The best way to read contents, inventions, matter transformations in Damiani’s works is to analyse some of the most representative. The attention towards environmental and production issues – according to the theory that it is better to recycle rather throw away, giving life to new ways to interpret materials – is easy to read in many of his projects, such as the “Udine Chair”, a chair with a very soft and comfortable seat made with the sawdust usually left over during the working phases. Why not using it again? After all, it’s always noble wood! In the “152 collection” the waste of glass – another noble material – is exploited to give life to a collection of bowls. The idea was born by blowing transparent bowl-shaped containers in which the so-called “cocciame” – waste material from Murano glass working – is cleaned and inserted and then turns into a fundamental part of the project. These rejects, in wonderful shapes and colours and deriving from wholly artisanal working, must be treated following precise and rigorous procedures according to
THE PL A YF UL ASPECT THAT
EMPHASISES
AIRPOUF – 2005 – CAMPEGGI PRODUCTION “Airpouf” is a vacuum cleaner that can be exhibited also to welcome guests, a comfortable seat as well as a useful electrical appliance. The merging of both element creates a hybrid object, a pouf-vacuum cleaner lined with a removable fabric cover. It looks like a sphere with three holes: one for the vacuum cleaner tube extension, one to turn the appliance on and the other as an air exhaust.
046_049_damianiok - Copia.indd 48
17/12/12 08:35