Antonio’s Dream: A Journey Through Art and Textile

10 October 2021–31 January 2022

Villa Olmo Villa del Grumello Villa Sucota Kilometer of Knowledge #como

Curated by Lorenzo Benedetti, Annie Ratti and Maddalena Terragni

The exhibition traces the work, life, and passions of the #como entrepreneur #antonioratti: art, culture, and entrepreneurship returns to #como reactivating and enhancing a significant public space for the city

Knowledge of the past generates new ideas and creates new forms of beauty — Antonio Ratti

Como, 6 May 2021

Fondazione #antonioratti announces the opening of the exhibition Antonio’s Dream: A Journey Through Art and Textile in #como, a project connecting the vision and history of the pioneer #antonioratti with his hometown #como, the city where his concept of entrepreneurship and trade culture developed, leaving a precious legacy that is still alive today.

The exhibition, curated by Lorenzo Benedetti, Annie Ratti, and Maddalena Terragni is hosted from 10 October 2021 to 31 January 2022 in the halls and parks of Villa Olmo, Villa del Grumello, Villa Sucota, and other city venues. The show establishes a dialogue with the marvelous historical #como landscape and the suggestive path known as the Kilometer of Knowledge. Juxtaposing ancient textiles, contemporary artworks, and archive material, the exhibition traces the life, work, and vision of the patron #antonioratti, one of the greatest entrepreneurs who, after World War II, reconstructed, with and through his company Ratti S.p.A., Italy’s industrial sector inspired by a profound philanthropic and cultural vision.

The third exhibition dedicated to #antonioratti (following the two previous exhibitions at Palazzo Te in Mantua in 2017 and at the Baths of Diocletian in Rome in 2018), entitled Antonio’s Dream: A Journey Through Art and Textile, explores the vision and history of the entrepreneur, expanding the project and relating directly with those places where #antonioratti lived and worked throughout his life. The exhibition itinerary explores public and private spaces of great interest as well as the headquarters of the Foundation created by #antonioratti, where his textile collection is kept today. Artworks realized specifically for the occasion, help to create a cohesive visual relationship between artistic research, ancient textiles, the story of Antonio Ratti’s life, and the indoor and outdoor spaces of the exhibition venues.

Once again, this exhibition reaffirms Antonio Ratti’s idea that experience and knowledge paired with art and experimentation are fundamental tools for understanding one’s time and creating new value. Starting point and heart of the exhibition is Villa Olmo, a few steps away from the city center, where contemporary artworks interact with ancient textiles set in the neoclassical framework of the villa overlooking the lake. The story and vision of #antonioratti are revealed through the exhibition setup designed by Philippe Rahm architects and the graphic design of Wolfe Hall, weaving together textiles, documents, archive material, and works of contemporary art. This display highlights how textile and artistic productions are part of the same cultural vision built upon historical heritage, research, talent, and innovation.

The exhibition then spreads across the gardens of Villa Olmo, extending across the entire Kilometer of Knowledge, enriching the panoramic path with works created specifically for this landscape. Alongside Villa Olmo, are also included in the exhibition itinerary Villa Grumello and Villa Sucota – home to Fondazione #antonioratti – which are part of the Kilometer of Knowledge. The Foundation’s park – which since 2016 has been the setting for installations by the artists who have collaborated with the institution over the years – and its building welcome another section of the exhibition. Lastly, the exhibition reaches the city of #como in various locations across the historic center, such as Teatro Sociale, with artworks and performances.

Antonio’s Dream: A Journey Through Art and Textile is an opportunity not only to tell the life and the story of #antonioratti, but also to embrace his very idea of spreading and sharing cultural values.