The artist’s residence born from an idea of Martino Di Napoli Rampolla, is a place of hospitality and artistic sharing
Numeroventi co-living space in Florence
An art residency is an atypical space. A substantial stage for artists, creatives as well as designers, who want to seek new inspiration for their work. These places foster creativity and provide a suitable context for the development of art. Working facilities, connections between creatives and an audience to address.
The residence offers itself as a dimension in itself. A moment of dialogue and growth for those who live there. From the pages of a Japanese book explaining the phenomenon of design residencies, in 2017 Martino di Napoli Rampolla decided to start an art residency, Numeroventi, together with venue manager Daniele Civetta and Andrew Trotter, director of Openhouse Magazine. «I worked as a graphic designer in Belgium and Barcelona. But every time I left Florence I felt conflicted, I wanted to express my creativity at home», says about Napoli Rampolla.
Numeroventi is a studio conceived for the development of contemporary art and design located in the heart of Florence. It is open to local and international artists who want to live a co-living experience in a working space designed for them.
A place where artists can rediscover the essence of their profession
«The main idea is to invite creatives from all over the world and to develop interdisciplinary collections together», Martino explains. «There is a basic problem that is quite common in the contemporary creative industry. Most people who work in this field start doing what they do because they are passionate about it. But, after a few years, they find themselves doing something completely different. Because there are deadlines or organisational problems».
«All I knew when I started was that I wanted to offer creative people a place to collaborate. Therefore, Numeroventi wants to be a kind of retreat, a place where artists can rediscover the essence of their profession. It invites them to get out of their routines and be inspired by other people and space. I see this project as part of a broader process, which is why the concept is constantly evolving».
Palazzo Galli Tassi building and interiors
Palazzo Galli Tassi houses Numeroventi. The space is a 1510 building, restored in a minimalist style to maximize the use of natural light and space. The five-metre high ceilings, large windows and carefully chosen, minimalist furnishings contribute to an experience of silence and contemplation.
«This was the workplace of Girolamo Pagliano, my grandmother’s uncle, who was a chemist and theatrical impresario. Much of the original structure has remained intact. The contrast between past and present generates a unique, very special energy. Our configuration is constantly changing. Taking shape through the furniture, pieces from all over the world and works by artists who have spent some time here».
It is also thanks to this constant flow of energy that the rooms regularly change their appearance, with new components. Guests working in different creative disciplines thus make it possible to discover new potentials for the spaces every day. Numeroventi, in fact, simply creates the conditions, and then watches them grow.
The interiors of the flats, which can also be booked on the internet, encourage observation and reflection, allowing guests to indulge in idleness and communicate with the works of the artists in residence, which change throughout the year to reflect the constantly evolving spirit of Numeroventi.
Lampoon review: Numeroventi’s founder collaboration with artists
Among the most important encounters and collaborations for Martino di Napoli Rampolla, is the contemporary artist Kasia Fudakowski. An annual project, in fact, was born with her, resulting in the creation of a single piece of furniture with a dual function. The idea stems from the desire to celebrate the potential for flexibility within a formal limit. But also to approach the notion of object as event. A rigorous format that offers a flexible framework for a large number of experiments aimed at bridging the gap between art and design.
Jewelry designer Natalia Criado developed her successful collection Joyas en Casa in Florence, with the aim of bringing jewelry to the table. Numeroventi has taken care of the communication of her collection and developed two projects. A workshop on Alexander Calder’s furniture and balance, and a collection of mirrors.
Further, new collaborations include the following. On the occasion of the opening of Cambio at Museo Pecci in Prato, Italian Duo designer Formafantasma will hold a collateral viewing at Numeroventi. Ceramics by UK Based photographer Harley Weir (Solo Show) and a ceramics workshop for kids. South African Digital designer Alexis Christodoulou and Ceramist Ceri Muller (residence). Italian based artist Leonardo Anker Vandal (Solo Show) and Eve Leiber Gallery x Numeroventi representing artist Manon Steyaert.
Numeroventi
Via dei Pandolfini, 20, 50122 Florence
Hidden behind the five-hundred-year-old facade of Palazzo Galli Tassi is Numeroventi. An arts space uniting the threads of Florence’s creative past and present.
