Inspired in Barcelona: Terra Rossa

Barcelona's creative scene makes its mark at Milan Design Week with "Inspired in Barcelona: Terra Rossa," an exhibition that captures the essence of Catalan tradition. Presented at the Sirtori26 space of the Porta Venezia Design District, this collective showcase features the work of 16 local contemporary artists and designers, reinterpreting the Catalan clay pitcher to celebrate the fusion of matter with form, tradition with creativity, and nature with humanity through design.

Curated by Júlia Esqué and conceptualized by Apartamento Studios, the exhibition aligns with the theme of this year's Milan Design Week, "Materia Natura," emphasizing materiality, sustainability, and proximity. "Terra Rossa" serves as both an art exhibition and an homage to earth and clay as integral elements of Catalan culture, particularly in viticulture. The historical connection between wine and clay is highlighted through the reinterpretation of the traditional Catalan pitcher, historically used for cooling liquids.

Half of the participating artists, including Jaume Ramírez, Lolo and Sosaku, OWL Furniture and Objects, Helena Fradera, Klas Ernflo, Claudia Valsells, Marc Morro, and Robbie Whitehead, manipulated the raw state of the pitcher before firing, resulting in contemporary pieces that preserve the traditional form. The other half, such as Mark Bohle, Gina Berenguer, Laura Brichs, Luna Paiva, Pepa Reverter, Albert Riera Galceran, Xavier Mañosa, and About Arianne, took a plastic approach, making alterations post-firing, yet respecting the original proportions and functionality.

A highlight of the exhibition is an impressive pyramid comprising 80 artistic pitchers, specially created for the event as a result of the collaborative reinterpretation by the 16 artists. Through "Inspired in Barcelona: Terra Rossa," visitors are immersed in a multi-sensory experience celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and Catalan culture.

The initiative, organized by BCD - Barcelona Centre de Disseny and promoted by the Generalitat de Catalunya through ACCIÓ - Catalonia Trade & Investment, alongside Ajuntament de Barcelona (via the Institute of Culture of Barcelona - ICUB and Design Hub Barcelona - DHub), showcases the transformative power of Catalan talent in turning traditional elements into contemporary art.