The Moulding Tradition and Colony art exhibit is strangely enlightening. This exhibition centers around a series of blankets that depict Italy's colonial past.
Created by Formafantasma, an Eindhoven-based studio founded by Italian designers Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin, the Moulding Tradition and Colony exhibit is being held at the Gallery Libby Sellers in London. According to the designers, these blankets reveal, "the impact of Italian imperialism on the urban infrastructure of... former colonies."
Like oversized postcards, each blanket in the Moulding Tradition and Colony exhibit uses futurist architectural landmarks to symbolize the major colonies: Libya, Eritrea and Ethiopia. The result is a presentation of stunning pieces of art, all with a direct message and meaning about Italy's past.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Colonial Art Representation
- The trend of using art to depict and discuss a country's colonial past provides opportunities for artists to challenge traditional narratives and inspire dialogue on social justice.
- Post-colonial Architecture
- The trend of using architecture as a means to examine colonization offers opportunities for architects to incorporate traditional, local techniques and materials in a way that reflects the spirit of the former colony.
- Colonial Urbanization
- The trend of examining the urban infrastructure of former colonies provides opportunities for planners and urban designers to propose innovative solutions addressing the historical legacy of colonialism.
Where This Applies
- Arts & Culture
- This industry has opportunity to use art as a platform for examining the complexities of colonial histories and narratives.
- Architecture
- This industry has opportunity to use architecture as a lens to understand the relationship between colonialism, urban infrastructure, and the built environment.
- Urban Planning and Design
- This industry has opportunity to use strategic planning and innovative design to rethink colonial urbanization towards a more equitable approach to developing post-colonial cities.
