MARE NOSTRUM ART DESIGN is an inspiring exhibition held as part of TERRAZSA BCN 2024, curated by Mariona Rubio Sabatés and conceived by Guendalina Perelli, founder of TERRASZA—the phygital platform dedicated to outdoor living. The event celebrated the Mediterranean’s rich history, cultural heritage, and timeless beauty through art, craftsmanship, and innovative design.
The exhibition took place from October 17 to 20, 2024, on the terrace of the FX Barcelona Film School as part of the OFF program for Barcelona Design Week and in connection with its special focus on water. Supported by A-FAD, with the technical support of Puraluce, and prominent Spanish galleries like Bombon Projects, Il·lacions, Llop Madrid, Pott Gallery, and Vasto Gallery, MARE NOSTRUM ART DESIGN brought together over fifty artists and designers to explore Mediterranean traditions, reinterpret ancient techniques, and highlight their enduring relevance in today’s world.
Reclaiming the Mediterranean Identity
The Mediterranean, often called a “sea in the midst of lands,” has been the cradle of civilizations, innovation, and cultural exchange for centuries. According to Isidore of Seville, its shores have inspired philosophies, sciences, religions, and artistic marvels, shaping human history with their profound influence. The exhibition celebrated this legacy while addressing the environmental challenges that threaten the Mare Nostrum today, including plastic pollution, over-tourism, and urbanization.
Through carefully curated objects and displays, the event invited visitors to rediscover the language of Mediterranean folklore and its ethical model for the "good life." MARE NOSTRUM ART DESIGN emphasized sustainability, creativity, and harmony with nature—an ideal embodied in the Mediterranean way of living.
Celebrating Craftsmanship and Design Art
At the heart of MARE NOSTRUM ART DESIGN was a celebration of craftsmanship as both a cultural inheritance and a means of artistic expression. The exhibition showcased the work of artisans and designers who reinterpreted traditional techniques to create modern, functional pieces. It was a tribute to the enduring value of craftsmanship as a means to preserve cultural identity and intangible heritage. Traditional artisans and modern designers collaborated to revive lost techniques and adapt them to contemporary aesthetics, showcasing the Mediterranean’s blend of past and present.
Featured Artists and Designers
- A-FAD Members: Bussoga, Carrillo Studio, Circular Ars, Rosa Cortiella, Carol Fleischman, Cris Noguera, Francesca Piñol, Pròsper Riva, Andrea Sender Studio, Tossuda Studio.
- Bombon Projects: Josep Maynou.
- Il·lacions: Ricard Carbayó, Ferran Collado, Rosa Cortiella, Ricard Casabayó, Meritxell Durán, Cristian Herrera Dalmau, Panoramma, Joshua Linacisoro, Josep Vila Capdevila, Sanna Völker.
- Llop Madrid: Asterisque, Yoyo Balagué, Jor Ceramics, Pi Studio, Caterina Roma, Guillermo Shelley.
- Pott Gallery: Sofía Aguas, Sergio Basi
- Vasto Gallery: Berta Blanca, Paul Coenen, Sara Regal.
Other participants included renowned names like:
Arturo Álvarez, Mariadela Araujo, Eliurpi, Gabriel Escamez, Marta Moreno, Chidy Wayne, Valeria Vasi, Nazara Lázaro, Pablo Octavio, Los Objetos Decorativos, Luis Gimeno Lloret, Emilie Lisi, Marc Morro, Mariona Cañadas y Pedro Murúa, Malva Office, Laura Micheletti, Turbina, among others. Their works drew from Mediterranean landscapes, textures, and traditions, creating pieces that transform spaces into expressions of artistry and storytelling.
The Mediterranean as a Timeless Inspiration
MARE NOSTRUM ART DESIGN also highlighted the Mediterranean as a metaphor for the "good life." From its vibrant cuisine to its communal way of living, the region’s ethos served as a model for a more sustainable, mindful, and fulfilling existence. Voltaire’s reflection that “gardening is an antidote to greed and self-discontent” resonated throughout the exhibition, emphasizing a reconnection with nature through art and craftsmanship.
A Call to Action and a vision for the future
While the exhibition celebrated the Mediterranean’s cultural and artistic wealth, it also posed an urgent question: What will happen if we fail to care for this vital region? With environmental challenges threatening its waters and its future , MARE NOSTRUM ART DESIGN encouraged reflection and action.
Beyond celebrating craftsmanship and design, MARE NOSTRUM ART DESIGN served as a rallying cry to preserve the Mediterranean’s ecological and cultural heritage. As biologist Manu San Félix stated in the National Geographic documentary Save Our Mediterranean:
“We can bring the Mediterranean back to life with a realistic yet hopeful message, as we still have time to save it, but it’s now or never.”
Through its provocative works and meaningful narratives, the exhibition encouraged visitors to reconnect with the Mediterranean’s values, offering a hopeful vision of sustainability and innovation.
A Timeless Connection Between Art and Living Spaces
From terraces overlooking the sea to intimate indoor settings, the exhibition demonstrated how high craftsmanship bridges the gap between interiors and exteriors. By incorporating Mediterranean-inspired designs into living spaces, homeowners and designers alike can create environments that are both functional and deeply resonant with the region’s heritage.
MARE NOSTRUM ART DESIGN at TERRAZSA BCN 2024 leaves a lasting impression as a celebration of creativity and sustainability. A tribute to the Mediterranean’s enduring spirit and a testament to the power of art and craftsmanship in shaping our environments and enriching our lives.
