Design, tradition, innovation, decorative arts, culture, Third Paradise: this is the list of “ingredients” characterizing the 26^th edition of Cèramica – International Ceramics Fair, held in Montelupo Fiorentino, about 30 km from Florence. From 15^th to 17^th June, the town, already famous for the realization of plates and objects for noble families in the 16^th century, was once again a live centre of ceramics production thanks to this event, now at its 26^th edition. This year’s participation was remarkable: over 30 exhibitors at the market fair, 35 exhibitions and installations set up around the city, over 30 events, demonstrations and conferences.

Talking about the exhibitions, it’s important to notice how Cèramica 2018 was entirely focused on contemporary art, presenting works by renown artists like Nanni Valentini, Jonathan Monk, Sueharu FuKami, Cèsar, Chiara Camoni, Ugo La Pietra, Betty Woodman, Mimmo Paladino, Luigi Ontani and Sebastian Matta. And thanks to the Rebirth / Third Paradise ambassadress Patrizia Vezzosi Vinci, Michelangelo Pistoletto was also present in the Tuscan town with an installation dedicated to him, “Homage to Michelangelo Pistoletto – The Third Paradise”. It is a 15-metre installation realized with works by local ceramists.

“The Museo Montelupo Foundation, – said its president, Luigi Ulivieri – which for the first time has curated the scientific direction of the event, has abandoned the traditional format in order to offer a new perspective on ceramics and contemporary art in general. The project wants to present ceramics in a different light, thanks to a dialogue between town and material, craftsmanship and art. The 2018 edition was a step in the process we started a few years ago of creating a consistent connection between the ceramics produced here and the world of contemporary art. At 15 by 5 metres, the installation dedicated to Michelangelo Pistoletto, realized with works by local ceramists, is of great visual impact. I would like to use the words through which the artist from Biella conveys his (and now our) approach to art: Art is the main and most sensitive expression of human creativity and, as such, the constant point of reference for any cultural, economic and social activity. The responsibility of art is to create the principles of a new harmony which balances all elements of society through aesthetics and ethics.”