The golden and timeless art offerings of Alessandro Ciffo and Tonino Negri

In the heart of Milan's design narrative, Galleria Rossana Orlandi presents two compelling exhibitions from November 21, 2024 onwards, delving into the myriad art and design offerings of Alessandro Ciffo and Tonino Negri, two distinguished creatives whose works traverse the intersections of experimentation, tradition and reflection.

Born in Biella, Italy, Ciffo is a self-taught designer and artist known for his pioneering use of silicone as a medium. Over the years, the Italian designer has developed a unique artistic language, combining technical innovation with emotional resonance. Known for his collaborations with prominent Milanese galleries, Ciffo's works often incorporate materials such as marble, ceramics and glass. His recent collaboration with Galleria Rossana Orlandi on Via Bandello 14/16 in Milan, emphasises a sustainable design ethos by reusing production waste, underscoring his commitment to responsible craftsmanship and innovative art-making.

On the other hand, Italian artist and craftsman Tonino Negri brings a profound connection to tradition through his mastery of ceramics. Hailing from Lodi, Italy, Negri's creative journey began under the tutelage of renowned ceramic artisans. His works are rooted deeply in archetypal forms and universal symbols, creating a timeless dialogue that evokes ancestral memory. They reflect a philosophical approach to materiality, emphasising the enduring nature of ceramics and their capacity to tell stories spanning generations.

Il Tavolo di P. | Alessandro Ciffo | The Golden Silicone

Ciffo's room installation, Il Tavolo di P. Gold Collection (The Table of P.), immerses visitors in his artistic evolution, where golden silicone is employed as a metaphor for transformation and growth. At the art installation's centre is a round table design adorned with 24 shimmering silicone vases, each representing pivotal moments in his artistic journey.

Surrounding this focal point are elements that bridge the past and present: a striking chandelier casting a warm glow over the display, while reimagined furniture design and contemporary art pieces emphasise his continual experimentation. "This mini-retrospective gathers some of the most iconic creations, reinterpreted through gold, a symbol of light and transformation," notes the gallery's press statement.

Ciffo, who began working with silicone in 1997, is known for his ability to push the material's boundaries. His diverse portfolio includes over 30 collections of vases, lighting designs and home accessories, blending silicone with materials such as marble, ceramics and glass. With Il Tavolo di P., Ciffo showcases his mastery of silicone and offers viewers a glimpse into a transformative medium that symbolises light, maturity and creative ingenuity.

Senza Tempo | Tonino Negri | Timelessness in Ceramics

In contrast, Negri's exhibition titled Senza Tempo (Timeless) explores the enduring nature of ceramics and the universal connections they evoke. Negri's belief in the material's durability is central to his philosophy, as he reflects on how ceramics (unless broken) can withstand the test of time.

"When people ask me if ceramics last long I usually answer, 'If it doesn't fall down it lasts at least 5,000 years.' It is a material that endures over time and that is why in my own way I try to make works that are enduring in meaning as well, works that are therefore almost senza tempo. The world I represent in ceramics is made of universal images, archetypes and sometimes ironic insights that can speak and reach everyone, at least I hope. Works that have in them the key to small doors of our ancestral memory," the Italian sculpture artist relays.

Negri's sculpture art pieces seem to transcend their physicality, becoming vessels of meaning and memory. Beyond ceramics, his creative expertise extends to theatrical set design, demonstrating his interdisciplinary approach to storytelling through art. Senza Tempo captures the essence of Negri’s artistic vision, presenting ceramics as both material and metaphor—durable, enduring and rich in symbolic resonance.

Both of these ongoing art and design exhibitions at Galleria Rossana Orlandi offer a rare and enriching opportunity to delve into the creative odysseys of Ciffo and Negri, two luminaries who redefine the boundaries of their respective mediums. While Ciffo’s golden silicone installations stand as a testament to the transformative possibilities of modern materials, symbolising light, growth and creative reinvention, Negri’s ceramic pieces, root the viewer in the enduring essence of human history and culture.

His creations offer a poetic meditation on permanence and legacy, connecting us to the shared memories of our ancestors. Together, the juxtaposition of Ciffo’s cutting-edge explorations and Negri’s timeless reflections illustrates a compelling dialogue between innovation and tradition. Visitors to the art gallery can immerse themselves in these two captivating contemporary art and design shows, each reflecting a profound exploration of materiality, transformation and memory.

Alessandro Ciffo's 'Il Tavolo di P.' and Tonino Negri's 'Senza Tempo' is on view from November 21, 2024, at Galleria Rossana Orlandi in Milan, Italy.