The Michelangelo Foundation promotes excellent craftsmanship and wants to build a bridge between contemporary design and traditional artisan craftsmanship. On 17 September 2020, they launched the Homo Faber Guide, a website on which they highlight the best craftsmen in Europe. We are delighted that Atelier Mestdagh is mentioned, a wonderful reward for our craftsmanship.
Captivated by the Michelangelo Foundation
Katrien Mestdagh got to know the Michelangelo Foundation in 2018. During the Salone del Mobile.Milano, we were taking part in the Doppia Firma exhibition, which was being organised by the Michelangelo Foundation and Fondazione Cologni. In Doppia Firma, the organisers wanted to put the spotlight on designer and implementer as equals. For the exhibition, we worked with Maarten De Ceulaer, presenting the standard lamp that he designed and we produced.
Afterwards, Katrien immediately ordered the book The Master’s Touch by Alberto Cavalli, in which he describes the eleven criteria which a master craftsman must fulfil:
- Authenticity
- Competence
- Craftsmanship
- Creativity
- Innovation
- Interpretation
- Originality
- Talent
- Territory
- Tradition
- Training
In everything the Michelangelo Foundation does and presents on social media, you feel the excellence of the craftsmen and women they promote. This was exactly what we were looking for!
During her stay in Milan, Katrien heard about the plans for a website on which they planned to highlight the best craftsmen and women in Europe. Last month, that dream became reality. Atelier Mestdagh was selected along with 28 other Belgian craftspeople, including Ludovic Elens, Niyona and Antoine Van Loocke. Together, we are also part of the Belgian Ateliers Gabriel.
The Homo Faber exhibition
Earlier this year, the second Homo Faber exhibition was due to be held, featuring work by Atelier Mestdagh. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 this was postponed to 2021. The creation process of the artwork we planned to – and next year will – exhibit was photographed by Jürgen De Witte from Wit Fotografie.
We will keep the final artwork a secret for now, but to mark the launch of the Homo Faber Guide, we can give you a sneak peek in the following video.
A glimpse behind the scenes during Create Day
On the very first international Create Day which takes place on 10 October, the Michelangelo Foundation will launch a 24-hour, non-stop presentation of the innovativeness, powers of imagination, diversity and skills of craftsmen and women all over the world. As part of this programme of livestreams, demonstrations, tutorials, tips and tour, our video will also be shown. Follow them on social media for updates about this online event.
Interested to know more? Discover Atelier Mestdagh and other European craftspeople on the website Homo Faber Guide.
