Cosmic Flaming Frida
"blow"
Fuorisalone 2022
A unique piece in Murano glass for Fuorisalone 2022
On the occasion of Fuorisalone 2022, Artemest presented BLOW: a collection of unique Murano glass pieces in collaboration with Bradley Theodore. Working hand in hand with the artist, the best Italian craftsmen and master glassmakers have created true works of art with a Caribbean theme, inspired by Bradley Theodore’s childhood in Turks & Caicos and evoking themes dear to him such as sea animals, corals and tropical fruits.
Thus Cosmic Flaming Frida was born in our creative workshop: a laser-engraved mirror in a rainbow of colours, emphasised by the presence of a backlit halo in Murano glass.
When Artemest proposed to us to interpret the poetics of Bradley Theodore in a handcrafted way, we were immediately stimulated and captivated by his enormous expressive power. The artistic language of the American artist gives life to new icons that to our eyes appear imbued with mysticism.
Cosmic Flaming Frida was born precisely from this feeling: Frida has become a sacred, absolute and universal image, a solemn star embraced by luminous flames, in which we can all mirror ourselves.
Italian craftsmanship meets international artists
The encounter/clash between the artist’s disruptive creativity and the craftsmanship of the Murano artisans has contributed to the creation of an eclectic and provocative universe.
In a world where everything is considered design -from a toothbrush to a work of art –Bradley Theodore launches a provocation at the artisans of Murano, overcoming the idea of “culture clash” and creating an imaginary bridge between contemporary art and tradition.
The experience is articulated through Theodore’s kaleidoscopic vision and sees symbols of traditional Murano craftsmanship – decorated mirrors, Rezzonico-style chandeliers and souvenirs de Venise – contrasting and at the same time communicating with colours and shapes typical of the artist’s culture.
BRADLEY THEODORE
Born in Turks and Caicos Bradley Theodore is a contemporary artist who started his career in New York City and has been an internationally-inclined artist and collaborator from his very beginnings.
Having worked in the tech and design sector after his graduation from the School of Visual Arts, Theodore eventually moved back to New York where his artistic career took off. With roots in graphic design, Theodore’s beginnings as an artist came from adorning the streets of New York City with vibrant, chromatic murals of skeletons depicting contemporary pop culture and fashion “royalty.”
Bradley Theodore is known for his colorful depictions of icons. He is a multi-disciplinary artist whose iconoclastic approach to art can be found internationally, from 10-foot murals on the streets of Tokyo, Paris and Milan, to sold-out solo exhibitions in London and NYC.