A story about the art of glass beads making, a forgotten wealth firmly linked to the identity of Venetian craftsmanship. A journey among factories, workshops and women artists, to trace the memories of ancient art.
The art of Murano glass beads is an ancient practice, deeply rooted in the history of human creativity and Venice. Produced both by individual craftsmen and in large workshops, glass beads were perhaps the first example of globalisation, reaching ethnic groups all over the world.
Over time, these masterpieces achieved such fame and refinement that they were used as currency for Venetian trade, as evidenced by a painting in the Museo del Vetro in Murano, where a merchant pays with strings of glass beads for a cargo of goods from the Orient.
A precious art to be protected and handed down, which today is in danger of disappearing, carried on by very few craftswomen.
↑ Lucia, hollow beads of blown glass, similar to small perfume bottles.
↑ Alessandra, contemporary candy-like pearls in bright colours
Even today, the world of Venetian glassmaking is strongly precluded to women. That of the master glassmaker is identified as an exclusively male profession, by tradition and by elements linked to the physical prowess required to handle heavy, hot and sharp tools.
Over the centuries, the craftswomen of Murano have created unique masterpieces, coveted by people all over the world as a symbol of elegance, refinement and craftsmanship. At the same time, these beads are a symbol of the struggle women carry on every day to assert their rights and their desire to actively participate in community activities.
This is why it is important to observe how Venetian women have managed to carve out a fundamental space for themselves in the production of Murano glass beads.
↑ Muriel, compact and layered pearls, similar to small planets, with colour currents reminiscent of sea currents.
The project aims to encourage reflection on human creativity and, more generally, on the role of women in creative practices.
