camilla falsini turns iris ceramica group slab into memphis-inspired painting

camilla falsini x iris ceramica group x clerkenwell design week 2022

Ceramic is a material that inspires creativity beyond craft and function to become art objects. This is particularly the case for the work of Iris Ceramica Group – just see the Cyberwall installation in the 2021 Italian Pavilion of the Venice Biennale. For Clerkenwell Design Week 2022, the group’s eco-innovative ceramic surfaces were transformed as an artist’s canvas. Street artist Camilla Falsini spent two days painting, morphing the material into a tribute to the Memphis movement.

All images courtesy of Iris Ceramica Group

A story of art, sustainability, eco-innovation and the enhancement of ‘Made in Italy’ became reality during Clerkenwell Design Week 2022. It took place at the Iris Ceramica Group Flagship store on Old Street (61-67) in London’s design district. The painting performance by street artist Camilla Falsini saw the Italian brand’s eco-innovative ceramic surfaces transform into Memphis-inspired monuments. The pieces display Falsini’s own interpretation of the renowned graphic style using her own patterns, colors, asymmetries and, overall, creativity.

eco-art and italian ceramics

As a performance of eco-art using Italian ceramics, Falsini’s painting aims to inspire conversation about ecological transition. The canvas – the eco-innovative ceramic surfaces – provided the ideal background. Iris Ceramica Group considers the respect for the environment key to its field of expertise. This is highlighted as the group produces its products in zero-emissions plants using natural materials and renewable energy sources only. A new green hydrogen factory – said to be the first for a ceramic producer – is set to be completed by the end of 2022.

The live painting coincided with the Ceramics: Neverending Artworks exhibition, on show until June 3, 2022

The live painting performance took place at the same time and location as the Ceramics: Neverending Artworks exhibition, on show until June 3, 2022. Falsini’s artwork directly referenced authors whose most iconic works are on display: Aldo Cibic, Andrea Branzi, Ettore Sottsass, George Sowden, Luigi Serafini, Macro Zanini, Martine Bedin, Matteo Thun, Michele de Lucchi, Nathalie du Pasquier, and Peter Shire. Showcasing 20 revolutionary works of the contemporary avant-garde movement, the display follows its previous success in Milan, which was also curated in partnership with Antonia Jannone Disegni di Architettura.

The exhibition showcases 20 revolutionary works that are benchmarks for the Memphis movement

‘A Company like Iris Ceramica Group demonstrates the uniqueness of Italian female entrepreneurship, working at the forefront of innovation and sustainability that Italy can offer inspiration for. On 24 and 25 May in London, a work of art will come to life through Camilla Falsini’s live painting performance, which will tell of all this, reminding us not only that ceramics are a noble material but that they are also art, creation, an artist’s canvas and, at the same time, an innovative and sustainable technical surface,‘ adds Veronica De Angelis, President of Yourban 2030, the non-profit curator of the art performance.