Draga & Aurel x Galerie Philia juxtapose colossal cathedrals with sheer walls

Draga & Aurel are among more than 20 international designers called upon by Galerie Philia, an international contemporary design and modern art gallery, to interpret the concept of desacralization as part of the DESACRALIZED exhibition, to be presented during Milan Design Week in the deconsecrated 11th-century San Vittore e 40 Martiri Church at no. 18, via Lucania.

Pioneers in upcycling in the design sector, Draga & Aurel began their journey by reinventing vintage furniture and objects in their own style, the common thread in the exhibition is the relationship between the sacred and profane, explored by the designers in completely white projects. The designers were encouraged to draw inspiration from objects tied to a sacred realm that has now become a functional part of everyday life.

The Ravine coffee table by Draga & Aurel is inspired by the monumental nature of large cathedrals, with their dizzyingly sheer walls. This sharply geometric sculptural piece has been made entirely by hand with alternating layers of transparent resin and slabs of grey and pastel variants. The resin is skillfully manipulated for a deep, transparent effect and creates ever-changing refractions of light and colour depending on one’s point of observation. "We wanted to capture the aura— the invisible, subtle, and ethereal energy we emanate, which accompanies us and varies depending on our vitality”, say Draga & Aurel.

STIR’s coverage of Milan Design Week 2023 showcases the best exhibitions, studios, designers, installations, brands, and special projects to look out for. Explore Euroluce 2023 and all the design districts—5Vie Art and Design, Brera Design District, Fuorisalone, Isola Design District, Tortona District, and Milano Design District—with us.

Text by Ria Jha.