Love Letters: An Exhibition and Fundraiser for Milan Design Week 2023 Presented by 5VIE
curation • exhibition • philanthropy
Love Letters (2023); Photo by Amir Farzad, courtesy of 5VIE
On the occasion of Milan Design Week 2023, the city’s lauded 5VIE design district presented a special exhibition and fundraiser conceived and curated by Anava Projects’ Anna Carnick. Love Letters was an intimate group exhibition featuring new, handcrafted pieces conceived as expressions of gratitude. The autobiographical works—composed in an array of materials and methods—celebrate the designers’ virtuosity and personal stories, while also honoring persons who’ve made a significant impact on the makers’ world views. Collectively, the objects serve as poetic symbols of the effect we have on one another.
The exhibition featured an exceptional roster of rising stars from around the globe, including Agustina Bottoni (Buenos Aires and Milan), Eve De Haan (London), ibiyanε (Martinique), Ahryun Lee (Essenbach), Xanthe Somers (London), and Maryam Turkey (New York). In addition to the showcased works, each designer penned an open letter to their inspiration to accompany their object. These letters invited viewers further into the designers’ worlds, providing additional context and creating a heightened level of intimacy with the pieces.
Photo courtsey of Maryam Turkey
Photo courtesy of ibiyanε
Photo by Amir Farzad, courtesy of 5VIE
Photo by Amir Farzad, courtesy of 5VIE
Photo by Amir Farzad, courtesy of 5VIE
Photos by Roberto Nino Betancourt, courtesy of Agustina Bottoni
Photo courtesy of Eve de Haan
As Carnick observes, “While each of these designer’s practices is wonderfully distinct, every one has a penchant for crafting narrative-driven, autobiographical pieces that share a bit of themselves with the world. I saw Love Letters as an opportunity for these designers—and their observers—to reflect on the impact we can have on one another. Particularly now, at a moment of global upheaval, as our interconnectedness has taken on a new sense of urgency, Love Letters spotlights the roles of kindness, vulnerability, and creativity both in community building and as a form of resistance to divisiveness and fear.”
From South Korean-born, Bavaria-based Ahryun Lee’s vibrant ceramic work—inspired by famed designer Ettore Sottsass and the bravery of all artists—to Maryam Turkey’s new lighting pieces—made in homage to her mother, their shared and differing experiences as women living in both Baghdad and New York, and a statement on women’s autonomy—the stories told through these pieces are as rich and varied as their makers.
Photo courtesy of ibiyanε
Photo courtesy of Ahryun Lee
Photo courtesy of Xanthe Somers
Photo courtesy of Maryam Turkey
In parallel with the exhibition, a fundraiser was organized to support local Italian nonprofit Progetto Arca’s important work providing housing, psychological support, language courses, legal advice, mentorship and more to displaced and refugee women and children in Milan. Proceeds benefited two centers in Milan welcoming women and children fleeing danger, poverty, violence, and war.
Love Letters was generously supported by 5VIE, and on view from April 17-23, 2023 in Milan.
Curated by Anna Carnick of Anava Projects
Paint and wallpaper for the exhibition kindly provided by Farrow & Ball.
Graphic design by Anita Sengupta.
