Tracing Venice 03

The mosaic made out of copper, brass and steel is part of a site-specific installation that is a tribute to Venice and the precious mosaic floors of St Mark's Basilica. Zanellato/Bortotto's design project is interpreted by De Castelli. Thanks to their craftsmanship, the different metals are transformed into weaves and tapestries that create a superb visual impact.

● Type: Mosaic
● Dimensions: 150 H x 100 W x 8 D cm
● Material: Copper, stainless steel, brass, wooden base
● Date: 2021

We are often struck by the beauty of a place as we look up and observe what looms over us. Venice teaches us to change our point of view, to look downwards. This is how you discover an infinite variety of shades, marks and imperfections, evident traces of a unique phenomenon: high water. St Mark's Basilica is the cornerstone of the lagoon city, and it is perhaps the point most exposed and affected by the rising tide. Entering, we discover a treasure at our feet: the marvellous 12th-century polychrome mosaics that cover more than 2,000 square metres of flooring. This is a complex and elaborate set of ornamental mosaic motifs with a profound symbolic meaning. In St Mark’s we see the patient and incessant work inflicted by time and water, which have indelibly changed the appearance of every stone, wall and plaster.
Zanellato/Bortotto's project recounts the designs of St Mark’s mosaics by tracing the signs of deterioration and wear, enhanced by the shades and oxidations of the metal. Each piece highlights the imperfection of the material as a fundamental element to reflect on the importance of a fragile asset to be preserved at any cost.

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