Giova
Half vase, half lamp, Giova marks the debut of Gae Aulenti in the field of lighting design. Available in two sizes, it is both a lamp and a luminous sculpture. Positioned on a metal base is a transparent bowl containing a sphere, which in turn houses the light source. Placed above is a smaller bowl in blown pulegoso glass, meaning ‘with irregular bubbles’, which serves as a bottom vase.
FontanaArte
In 1881, Luigi Fontana & C. was founded in Milan, specializing in the processing of glass, crystal, and mirrors. After participating in the 1906 Milan International Fair, the company was acquired by Saint-Gobain in 1910. Over the years, its artisanal origins began to evolve until a turning point in 1931, when Gio Ponti took over its artistic direction. It was Ponti who renamed the brand FontanaArte, adding “arte” to highlight the creative and design-driven spirit he envisioned for its future collections.
FontanaArte was officially established in 1932, and in 2022 it celebrated its 90th anniversary. To mark the occasion, during Milan Design Week (June 6–12), the company’s historical archive was opened to the public. At the same time, the Stanze del Vetro museum in Venice hosted the exhibition FontanaArte. Living in Glass, curated by Christian Larsen, until July 31.
Gae Aulenti
Gae Aulenti (1927-2012) was an internationally renowned Italian architect and designer, known for her innovative approach and ability to transform cultural spaces. She designed the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, the renovation of Palazzo Grassi in Venice and the National Museum of Catalan Art in Barcelona, as well as numerous theatre and stage designs. He also worked in interior and furniture design, creating iconic pieces for companies such as FontanaArte. Her style mixed classicism and modernity, with a focus on material and light, making her one of the most influential figures in 20th century architecture and design.
