Galleria Rossana Orlandi explored ‘what’s new’ and ‘what’s timeless’ at MDW 2024

‘Innovation’ and ‘craftsmanship’ are the two cornerstones of creativity and design, one strengthening and completing the other. Craftsmanship provides the timeless mastery of traditional techniques and knowledge to anchor innovation, while innovation itself awakens the spark of curiosity by pushing boundaries and pioneering frontiers. The avant-garde and the classic come together to form an appealing synergy that produces works of art that not only captivates the imagination but also stand the test of time. Designs at the crossroads of inventiveness and tradition unveil a tapestry of ingenuity and skill.

As an exploration of contemporary design that traces, much like a map, the expanded field of international creativity, Galleria Rossana Orlandi curated RoCollectible 2024 at Milan Design Week. The showcase by the art gallery presented works by more than 80 designers and artists from around the world. The polyphonic installation during the design week featured a variety of voices and fluid shifts in rhythm, showcasing the combined efforts of established artists and up-and-coming talent. A shared imperative bound these creators: to boldly experiment with approaches as original as they are timely, particularly in their exploration of materials.

The five senses were awakened by shapes, colours, vibrations, aromatic awakenings, and tactile impacts in RoCollectible's immersive experience. Narrative works directly engaged the visitors and created connections, implications, and relationships. The overarching theme of the showcase at the design fair was artistic anarchy, underscored by the eclecticism of the works on display and the conviction that the creation process was equally important to the finished product. Furthermore, a focus on the topic of accessibility was established through the design exhibition, examining the various ways in which an object might be interpreted and experienced.

The exhibition Design Walk in Budapest organised by the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency was also curated by Rossana Orlandi and her daughter Nicoletta and showcased the creative energy of Budapest. Through a journey that unites visionary designers and artists from Hungary, Design Walk in Budapest aimed to narrate the city’s true spirit, which emerged as a crossroad of cultures and ideas, connecting generations and histories across its physical and metaphorical bridges. Here, Hungarian artists and designers reinterpreted the city's historic architecture, transforming them into works of art and design that celebrates the past while embracing the future.

The design installation epitomised the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation, craftsmanship and experimentation, across the global landscape of contemporary design. Each exhibition served as a testament to the creativity and rich cultural tapestry that defines the modern design discourse, from Milan to Budapest. These events opened the path for a vibrant and inclusive future in the design industry, while simultaneously celebrating the accomplishments of the past through the judicious curation of talent and themes like artistic anarchy and accessibility. As we bid farewell to these immersive experiences, we carry with us the inspiration to continue exploring new horizons of creativity, fostering dialogue, and embracing the transformative power of design in shaping our collective future.

Stay tuned to STIR's coverage of Milan Design Week 2024 which showcases the best of exhibitions, studios, designers, installations, brands and events to look out for. Explore EuroCucina and all the design districts—Fuorisalone, 5vie Design Week, Isola Design Week, Brera Design District and Porta Venezia Design District.