To bring you closer to one of our most interesting and extraordinary partners of lamp manufacturers, we've decided to compile a selection where Davide Groppi worked with historical objects or gallery exhibitions.
Synthesis of Light, Architecture and Art in the Works Davide Groppi
Davide Groppi is not just a story about lamps, it's a story about light in art.
Lighting an art exhibition is always a test for any lighting designer. Especially when it comes to the exhibition of paintings by Gustav Klimt!
In what light did Gustav Klimt paint a "portrait of a lady"? And how would he light up his masterpiece? Davide Groppi approached the portrait of a lady with maximum delicacy. Given the situation, the shadow of the frame at the work itself was reduced as much as possible, reflections of oil paint were minimized and colors were realistically reproduced. This is the case when the result obtained can be called "clean lighting."
A gentle light aimed at the back of the canvas and emphasizing the signs of time, seal, signature is a symbolic attempt to give a voice to this picture after years of silence, darkness and oblivion.
In the space around, scattered indirect light is used to convey the beauty of the gallery.
How to show with light what is no longer there? Nothing is impossible for Davide Groppi. The amazing exhibition project was carried out at the royal castle of Montcaleri, which is located on a hilltop near Turin. Since 1997, it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
"The light in Victor Emmanuel II's apartment at Montcalieri Castle was used to tell the story and describe a space that sadly no longer exists. The light between tissues and walls, as well as the light present in each individual room, is dynamically and cyclically modulated to create the correct levels of contrast to first emphasize the actual state, extremely damaged, and then show what was before the fire. "
Cardinal Alberoni's apartments reopened to the public in 2022 with an expanded and updated layout, a real art chest located in the center of Alberoni College in Piacenza, which stores and exhibits art and historical jewelry from the collection of Giulio Alberoni (1664-1752).
The Davide Groppi's design team has created lighting for the entire collection and, in particular, for the painting "Ecce Homo" by Antonello da Messina (1430-1479) and for the diptych Madonna della Fontana Jan Provost (1462-1529).
The natural light here has been ruled out in favour of an accent to create a more intimate atmosphere for the visitor.
In his native town Piacenza, Davide Groppi took part in an exhibition on Cavalli Square. Bronze equestrian statues of Alessandro and Ranuccio Farnese, executed by Moti between 1612 and 1628, a baroque masterpiece and symbol of Piacenza, enter into dialogue with a large installation created by Mimmo Paladino. The horse is a symbol of the transition between the ancient world and the modern world.
The lighting is made in such a way that its presence is imperceptible to the eye of the viewer. Light from different angles seems to "caress" Paladino's horses.
Never leaving Piacenza, Groppi managed to gain fame around the world for his simultaneously philosophical and playful work. With an extensive outlook and a curious nature, the designer explores the power of simple shapes, mystery and depth before turning to metal and glass.
Read in our blog also other articles about Davide Groppi:
The "Home" Moon by Davide Groppi Factory Eastern Market in Genoa with Davide Groppi