In Buddhism, the three marks of existence are three undeniable truths of all that exists: impermanence, imperfection and incompleteness. The three marks of existence have inspired numerous ideologies around the world that search for beauty in the imperfect, embrace the incomplete and celebrate the impermanent. ‘Marks of existance’ is the name of a collection of unique objects, presented in Movimento Gallery in London, between 8-13th October.
Marks of Existence
Today’s notions of beauty, driven by societal norms and technological advancements, emphasize perfection, symmetry and flawlessness.
The perfect face should be symmetrical, diamonds are valued on their flawlessness, contemporary architecture is firmly rooted in clean lines and immaculate glass facades.
Why then, do we still prize the rich patina that leather develops over time, why are we so in awe of the large-scale tapestries that form in marble and so fascinated by the concentric but irregular milestones at the centre of every tree trunk. These natural artworks, each an irreproducible one-of-a-kind, are beautiful to us not because of their precision or their flawlessness but rather their unpredictability, their imperfections; each unexpected blemish carrying stories and memories of past experiences and resilience.
Perhaps we are attracted to the imperfect because we see ourselves as imperfect, as incomplete. It is clear that despite all our advancements in manufacturing and precision, we are drawn to the uncontrollable, intrigued by it.
Marks of existence is a collection of unique objects designed to highlight the allure of natural materials; the impossibly complex weaves of texture, colour and forms that, despite our everexpanding capabilities, are still completely unattainable and irreproducible.
At the center of Marks of Existence is Travertino Ascolano, a traditional stone with roots back to many corners of the world and like most natural stones features beautiful complexities of texture, colour and features. With Travertino, more than other stones, the imperfections and irregularities bring something unique and unexpected to the surface of the stone. The stone in the collection is supplemented with a wooden Ikat weave, inspired by ancient techniques but reinterpreted and modernised into something alluring and complex. Again imperfect, the Ikat on show is made intriguing by the varying sizes and shapes of the weave again mirroring the natural beginnings of the material.
The pieces in Marks of Existence have been conceived by nine Movimento artists, each one imprinting their own style and aesthetics into their work.
With the artists hailing from a global selection of countries, each piece inherits the culture, inspirations and past experiences of the designer resulting in a piece of work that tells a somewhat coded story of the artist.
Marks of Existence opens a new chapter for Movimento Gallery. It is the first gallery-initiated collection for Movimento and marks the start of a new direction for the gallery.
Limited to the same materials, nine designers use their experience and style to craft a unique piece of collectible design, produced and distributed exclusively by Movimento Gallery.
At PAD London this October, the initial pieces of the Marks of Existence collection will be launched in an exhibition designed and styled by Artefatto Design Studio. The booth design uses a unique blend of traditional cues and contemporary touches to create a space that feels like neither. The walls are adorned in an elegant yet aptly unpredictable wallcovering from Italian brand Rubelli’s Paja collection that features rich and complex patterns. The colours of which, blend seamlessly with the floor creating a space that feels experiential and immersive. Two large overhead lights provided by Dresswall create contrast and cast shadows across the space that highlight and reflect the unique forms of the objects. Completing the space, two artworks from the collection of BKV Fine Art by Paolo Scheggi and Gianni Colombo. The two works add depth and continuity, creating a space, away from the rest of the fair, where light, art and design work in harmony.
Between 8-13th October, in Berkeley Square, London, join us to discover Movimento Gallery’s first gallery-initiated collection – Marks of Existence.
ABOUT MOVIMENTO GALLERY
Established in 2020, Movimento Gallery is a contemporary design gallery representing a curated selection of independent artists and designers. Born in London, Movimento Gallery now operates from bases in both London and Milan.
Movimento Gallery searches for the places where art and design co-exist; where an object has the ability to evoke emotion, provoke thought or challenge preconceptions. Here, objects become an expression of creativity, a reflection of culture and a way to connect with one another.
With contributors from over 20 countries, Movimento Gallery provides a curated global perspective, celebrating cultural diversity by presenting contemporary designs that pay tribute to a range of cultural backgrounds and artistic traditions.
Facts & Credits
Location Movimento Gallery
Address Berkeley Square, London
Dates 8-13th October
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