Venice, November 22, 2024 – This year, Venice once again welcomes an extraordinary tribute to its centuries-old glassmaking tradition with “Murano Illumina il Mondo”, an event that will light up the holiday season and remain on display until February 2025. On this occasion, Salviati brings its masterful craftsmanship to the heart of the city, collaborating with renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. The result of this fusion of cultures and expertise is the chandelier “dieXe”, an artwork that embodies the synthesis of tradition and innovation—a homage to glass’s unique ability to unite opposites: solid and fluid, transparent and colorful, modern and artisanal. A material capable of transforming and adapting to both space and light. “dieXe”, meaning “ten” in Venetian dialect, celebrates Venetian history, while the “X” symbolizes interlocking and unity. Further reinforcing the connection between the artwork and its surroundings is the choice of color: Salviati’s iconic peacock green, a hue that mirrors the captivating tones of the Venetian Lagoon. Venetian inspirations blend seamlessly with Kengo Kuma’s concept of “parcelization”, reimagined by Salviati through the development of distinctive interlocking modules. Each module consists of two glass units whose textured, jagged surfaces capture the essence of the lagoon’s bricole (the traditional wooden posts in the lagoon), an essential element in shaping the design. It is as if the very fabric of Venice is imprinted on each pane, with every piece of glass carrying the living spirit of the lagoon. This creation harmoniously melds the four elements of nature—earth, air, water, and fire—with the added dimension of void—the space for light—brought to life through the intersections of individual parts. The development of the “dieXe” chandelier was grounded in direct dialogue among Kengo Kuma, Salviati’s technical team, master glassmakers, and innovation consultant Professor Marco Imperadori from the Politecnico di Milano. This collaborative effort aimed to manage the complexities of an installation that will be displayed in a unique and public location—the Procuratie Vecchie in Piazza San Marco. To ensure stability and safety, the glass modules are supported by steel frames designed to bear the weight of the installation securely. Salviati’s collaboration with Kengo Kuma reflects the company’s commitment to innovation while staying rooted in tradition. This partnership provided a space for creative exchange, welcoming new ideas and experimenting with diverse techniques to bring unique, contemporary artworks to life. For Salviati, “Murano Illumina il Mondo” is not only an artistic installation but also a celebration of glass’s enduring ability to tell ever-new stories. “Murano Illuminates the World” c/o Piazza San Marco, Venice. From November 22, 2024 to March 4, 2025.