Analogia 003 is an experimental project, located in Ventura Lambrate for the Salone 2012. It is presented in a temporary, site-specific installation for the art gallery that hosts the exhibition.

Analogia explores the materialisation of the imaginary, in its transient state of flux. A drawing in the air that traces the fine line between abstract thought and concrete reality.

The installation explores and re-interprets the gallery’s empty spaces by placing objects in it that connect and merge with its space. It challenges conventional spatial representations and focuses on the boundary between reality and unreality, between the moment of creative imagination and the realisation of an idea.

The exhibited objects have been chosen from everyday life. They are visually evoked through the captivating inner essence of their own design. They are universally recognisable products proposed in their archetypal shape, using a minimalist visual language, seemingly bi-dimensional.

The third dimension is left to be reached by the movement, observation and perception of the public which, through this sensory involvement, becomes an integral part of the installation.

Andrea Mancuso and Emilia Serra

Analogia #003 is made with variably sized Merino wool on a net of fishing lines fixed from ceiling to floor and from wall to wall.

Firstly, the space was analysed with a 3D software in order to position the fishing lines that created the framework for the sketching-wool. Having the basic structure we explored the intriguing freedom of drawing in the air.

The name derives from the Italian word for ” analogy ” and the concept grew during the process of its construction.

In fact while we were applying the wool, studying every “brushstroke”, we realised that the process was a meticulous replication of sketching.

The installation inspires a feeling of ‘surprise’ in the viewer, which comes from seeing the materialisation of the thought itself.

The Analogia Project is the result of a long-term collaboration between Andrea Mancuso and Emilia Serra. They met while studying and working  at the Royal College of Art in 2008.

Their different backgrounds have allowed them to experiment a visual language able to explore at the same time both the space and the objects, which merge becoming part of a unique entity.

The complex relationship existing in a room between space and objects and how to express it to the viewer, in particular in the context of an exhibition space, are the pivot topics of their formal and visual research.

Andrea Mancuso

Is a designer with a long experience as furniture and lighting design and is part of Nigel Coates Studio’s team.

From Hypnerotosphere, an installation presented by Nigel Coates at the 11th Venice Architecture Biennale in 2008, he has been involved in many other projects with links to Alessi, AVMazzega, Ceramica Bardelli, Frag, Fratelli Boffi, Poltronova, Slamp, Varaschin and Swarovski.

A subtle irony and sense of discovery are essential signs of his design language that combines craft techniques with digital knowledge.

Emilia Serra

Is an Italian architect and has a wide range of experience in exhibitions, installations and interior design.

She is currently doing a PhD in Design Products, Royal College of Art, focusing on Design and Archaeology.

Experimenting with materials and combining new technologies with traditional techniques are key points of her research approach.

Emilia is a consultant on design research: she has experience in design-led strategies and cultural development projects delivered in Italy and UK.