Reinventing tradition by rethinking matter: Giuseppe Arezzi's circular design in collaboration with Nerosicilia
Giuseppe Arezzi, a young designer from Ragusa, is rewriting the concept of tradition through circular and sustainable design, strongly linked to the Sicilian territory. His creative practice is a continuous reinterpretation of ancient knowledge, which is renewed to dialogue with current events, in a process of continuous evolution.
An emblematic example of his approach is the installation 'Campo', realised in collaboration with Nerosicilia and located inside Palazzo Miccichè in Favara, home of the independent cultural centre Farm Cultural Park. This work is a celebration of traditional Sicilian craftsmanship, which Arezzi succeeds in reinterpreting with a contemporary and sustainable outlook. The tiles used to cover the room are made of lava stone, an iconic material of the area, processed using a technique patented by Nerosicilia. The particularity of these tiles lies in the vitrified finish of a natural green, obtained by recycling the crystals of disused television and computer monitors.
The result is a space reminiscent of a flowering field, hence the name 'Campo', in which the tiles create a visual carpet recalling Sicilian nature. Lava stone vases, also made from local materials, house carob plants, a symbol of Sicily's rural identity, giving the installation a sense of continuity with the surrounding landscape. This project is not only a homage to the tradition of Caltagirone majolica, but also an exploration of the possibilities offered by sustainable design, capable of transforming waste materials into valuable artistic works.
Arezzi's other creations include 'Barlume', a disassemblable lamp made of metal rod and recycled methacrylate. With a diameter of about one and a half metres, 'Barlume' revisits the traditional lanterns that adorned the entrances to the noble palaces of Ragusa Ibla, offering a contemporary vision of a symbolic object from the past.
Giuseppe Arezzi's work represents a bridge between the past and the future, in which traditional Sicilian craftsmanship is rethought and renewed through the innovative use of materials. His collaboration with Nerosicilia, a company specialising in working with lava stone, perfectly exemplifies this approach. Together, they succeed in creating creations that not only respect the local context, but also enrich it with new meanings, always maintaining a strong link with sustainability and the territory.
