At the entrance to Artemest Galleria’s Essenza Italiana, decorative bottles from Paola Paronetto and vases from ND Dolfi greet visitors in expectant clusters above a custom wood counter from Rivadossi. Photo by William Jess Laird.
It’s a brisk autumn day, but the atmosphere is heating up at Artemest Galleria, a few steps from the High Line in NYC’s Chelsea. Lucrezia Doria—Head of Brand and Special Projects for Artemest—leads the way through the Galleria’s interconnected spaces, her own energy mirroring that of the vibrant decor. She confirms that the exhibition features pieces by an impressive 50 artisans. But she also notes that this is a small selection from the over 1,500 craftspeople who shape the 60,000 handmade products Artemest sources.
Online design destination Artemest was founded in 2015 by CEO Marco Credendino and Creative Director Ippolita Rostagno. Their goal was to share the beauty of Italian craftsmanship with the world. And the products that Artemest curates tell a story of decorative traditions that stretch to the earliest recorded time. So this latest manifestation of Artemest in West Chelsea, says Doria, “It’s how we tell the story.”
In an environment that evokes Etruscan colors and Venetian plaster, a Floral Polychrome Chandelier from Mechini blossoms on the ceiling, while the Carabottino Canaletto Walnut Coffee Table plays the metaphorical trunk below. Photo by William Jess Laird.
Artemest Galleria Is Not a Townhouse
“It’s not a townhouse,” says Samuele Brianza—looking tall and tasteful in black as he considers the Galleria, “but it’s a very Italian experience.” The architect and interior decorator is the curator of this just-refreshed space. He is explaining how he meant it to have the feeling of a home. In Italy, they might prefer to serve that in a building with centuries of charm. But since—for so many in Chelsea—home starts as a simple white box, it is only appropriate that Artemest started in such a space, too.
The presentation evolved from there, and today the Galleria feels like a mash-up of sitting rooms, dining spaces and hallway vignettes from a number of fabulous apartments. Each area reflects certain essential aspects of Italian design. Brianza further notes how the walls (pictured, above) call to mind Venetian plaster. He points out that Italian artisans have been using it since ancient Pompeii—but with a modest shrug, as though it is a fad that just may stand the test of time.
Brianza also notes the use of specific shades of sage and pink throughout—meant to evoke Etruscan Art. Meanwhile, Samuele Visentin—who curated the accompanying solo exhibition of artwork by Antonio Fabozzi—mentions that the art has both visible and invisible links to the past. For example, the artist believes in creating his own materials as his ancestors might have—out of natural ingredients such as cherry tree resin and egg. The results are striking.
In crafting this setting, Artemest has clearly connected the exhibited pieces to a long and timeless tradition—despite the fact that the pieces themselves feel, overall, quite fresh.
The Settimio Dresser by Stefano Marolla combines maximalist grandeur and an undulating organic form, the Settimio Dresser by Stefano Marolla. Photo by Paul Hagen.
An Italian Legacy in Wood in Light
Even among offerings unafraid to embrace saturated color, the natural tones of the Essenza Italina’s wood offerings are standouts. Both the base of the Una Dining Table and the front of the Settimio Dresser (pictured, above) from Stefano Marolla imbue the wood with the organic qualities of folded fabric or falling water. The Carabottino cabinet and coffee table bring the material a sense of lightness through latticework. And the Comacina Armchair (pictured, below) from Rivadossi boasts a surface that is surprisingly supple for something so solid.
The surface of the Comacina Armchair from Rivadossi is surprisingly inviting to the touch. Photo by William Jess Laird.
Other show standouts include a Calle Foscari chandelier (pictured, below), which shines like radiant sun in the back room. Meanwhile, sumptuous seating selections include the Drapé Lounge in Bordeaux Velvet from Laura Meroni. And there’s no shortage of whimsical energy in the decorative sculptures of Emilie Lisi.
The Calle Foscari Chandelier from Luci Italia serves splendid Chihuly vibes with a dazzling glow. Photo by Paul Hagen.
Capturing the Essence of Italy
In this ever more online-focused age, does it make sense for Artmest to invest in refreshing a brick-and-mortar location? Well, if titans of the industry are still doing it, surely there must be wisdom to creating places where designers and design lovers can experience such pieces firsthand and see how they exist in conversation with one another.
“We want people to immerse themselves in the Artemest world, and know that every time they visit the gallery, they will discover new pieces and learn a new story,” explains Rostagno. “Through Samuele Brianza’s keen eye for design, Artemest has transformed this space into an impactful showcase where design professionals and connoisseurs can indulge in the sense of beauty that is so particular to Italian design.”
And that’s how Artemest captures the essence of Italy—and shares it with the world via a Chelsea gallery.
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