HUB 161. ITALIAN EXCELLENCE AND HOSPITALITY

In a surprising way, ancient art enters into dialogue with contemporary creativity, and master craftsmanship meets modern design in a journey that celebrates manufacturing excellence, extraordinary artists, and historic residences transformed into resorts where one can savor the true essence of Italian hospitality. Voluptas is the first project by HUB161, an innovative platform conceived by Raffaella Verri Zorzi. It connects and promotes Italian excellence across the board—from sustainable material producers to architecture and interior design studios, and professionals in the contract and hospitality sectors. More than just an exhibition, it is a sensory experience that celebrates Italian craftsmanship, where every detail tells a story of passion, research, and vision. On display: the refined marble, crystal, and onyx pieces by Marmi Regina, with their essential design; the iconic floral seats by Carla Tolomeo, true art-design sculptures; the 17th-century antique majolica tiles from Palazzo Raffadali in Palermo, sourced from the archive of Maurizio Scianna, a craftsman who collaborates with prestigious brands such as Ritz Carlton and Hermès; artistic collaborations from the historic Duca di Salaparuta winery, including the “Poliedrica” triptych by artist Arrigo Musti, and a furniture collection inspired by the world of fine jewelry by J&well; and the innovative surfaces by Hybrid & Icon, a synthesis of ancestral traditions, sustainability, and high quality. Also featured in the collective: works by Brun Fine Art, Eleit.it, Francesco Maria Messina, Marcello Colombo, Mirei Monticelli, Oro di Sciacca, Rudi Moriconi, and Vibieffe.

MOTOTOTEM. THE MOTORCYCLE SCULPTURE BY MATTIA BIAGI

Starting with the handlebars—unique bronze pieces bearing Mattia Biagi’s fingerprints, echoed also on the footrests. The hand-blown glass LED headlights are true sculptural challenges. The fuel tank is made of travertine, its shape evoking the lines of a parachute, in tribute to those used in WWII. The front and rear fenders are made of transparent resin embedded with leaves, matching the green suede leather seat—both referencing nature. The parallelogram forks include hand-crafted clay details, while the rear chain guard features organic elements in natural hues, symbolizing the birth of flowers in spring. Set into the magnesium battery box is a black stone. On the tires, handmade leather swallows appear to take flight—symbols of homecoming, loyalty, and a spirit of adventure. A true sculpture that also rides with the wind. What could embody Happiness more than this?

SOGIMI DEMONSTRATES THE POWER OF RECYCLING

Davide Dall’Osso’s installation for GRUPPO SOGIMI—sculptures made from polycarbonate scraps—demonstrates how happiness is not a fixed point but a flow that evolves over time. Entitled Flying, the series portrays bodies in motion or in transformation, captured mid-flight in an ongoing search for balance, a metaphor for the pursuit of happiness. All the pieces are sculpted from waste material from the company’s own plastic production—a strong statement of shared commitment to sustainability between the artist and SOGIMI, a leader in the transformation and distribution of plastic materials, technical foams, and composites. Enhancing the immersive experience is the audiovisual installation Elevazioni: Sinestesie Materiche by multidisciplinary artist Eric Oder (Federico Coderoni), which blends musical soundscapes made with processed real-world sounds and AI-generated visuals, based on the analysis of Sogimi's materials. The exhibition takes place on the first floor of Superstudio Più, where Sogimi’s showroom is located—a space well worth visiting for the emotions it evokes.

SURPRISING AND REFINED ART

At Superstudio, art weaves into everyday life—and this time, into the buzz of Design Week. We recommend taking a moment to pause and admire the window installation Happy Color by Giulio Cappellini for Flaminia on Via Tortona. Step inside MyOwnGallery to be amazed by Hair, Lucchini’s faceless pop portraits, along with never-before-seen works, such as the massive Toys in Piazza dell’Arte—joyful, adult-sized playthings radiating cheer. Be enchanted by the site-specific reinterpretation of the Tree of Life, first shown at the Venice Biennale, now reimagined by Carla Tolomeo using luxurious fabrics. And finally, at the end of the route, the FLA Museum awaits: in The Lab, dedicated to young artists, discover the meticulous work of MaoSagao, whose haunting paintings of beehive-like urban façades leave a lasting impression. Don’t forget to visit the completely redesigned Roof, home to Michelangelo Pistoletto’s Third Paradise—a poetic closing to an inspiring journey.