Tonello inspires ‘sculptural techniques’ in Treviso
An exhibition of textile works by artist Matteo Valerio is now on show at Villa Filanda Antonini (VFA), a former silk mill near Treviso, northern Italy, where Mr Valerio concluded a two-month residency on May 13.
VFA was established in 2021 with support from the Arper Feltrin Foundation, a non-profit spearheaded by the family behind local design business Arper.
The artist used finishing technologies from Vicenza-based developer Tonello to modify and manipulate the properties of natural-fibre textiles, using “various sculptural techniques” to create “a captivating textile landscape” that ties his artworks to the space itself by way of dialogue. Mr Valerio looked to dyeing, painting, printing and embroidery as means to build new layers of meaning on the fabrics’ surface, while uncovering still more through means of subtraction via bleaching, stonewashing, engraving and laser-cutting.
“I am interested in experimenting with the revolutionary qualities of materials, showing their intrinsic properties, the dynamics through which they are produced, the lives of those who work with them,” the artist explained.
From Tonello, THE Laser helped realise “intricate” dye graphics and three-dimensional effects, whereas O-Zone enabled ozone-only, localised corrosion, tie-dye or degradé effects without hazardous chemicals.
Use of UP, part of its All-in-One and Laundry (R)evolution systems, meant at least 50% less water was needed to wash the pieces, while DyeMate, launched at Kingpins Amsterdam in April, supported an even, automated indigo application, delivering “exceptional results, considering indigo’s susceptibility to degradation”, Tonello said.
The exhibition, titled “Teuta” (a Venetian term, meaning “community”) is due to run until July 15.
Advance booking is required. Interested parties are invited to email hello@vfa.art to arrange their visit.
Image copyright Matteo Valerio/Villa Filanda Antonini. Photography by Federico Marin.
