
Bringing an 18th-century painting back to light
Open Care | Italy

HOMO FABER 2026 E-CATALOGUE
The fourth edition of Homo Faber Biennial invites you to explore the fundamental relationship between light, materials and the human hand. Embark on a sensory journey through 15 immersive installations in the historic grounds and buildings of Fondazione Giorgio Cini and discover hundreds of handcrafted objects by artisans from around the world. Artistic Director Es Devlin’s unique staging illuminates the creativity and talent of the artisans, while live demonstrations, participatory workshops, culinary experiences and bespoke tours bring you even closer to craft. Inspired by the archipelago of the Venetian lagoon, Es Devlin has created a narrative that unites the work of hundreds of individual craft artists from across the world – each an island of talent and skill within the wider waters of craftsmanship – on San Giorgio Maggiore. By manipulating light through the use of water, mirrors, movement and more, Devlin creates a journey that illuminates the world of craftsmanship, from the craft artists themselves to their workshops, tools, materials and the exquisite objects they create. Together, the exhibition spaces explore the relationship between light, materials, talent and creativity, revealing how master artisans can use this life-giving energy as a tool to create wonder and joy.

Bringing an 18th-century painting back to light
Open Care | Italy

Bringing intricate inlays back to light
Open Care | Italy

Revealing an 18th-century painting through restoration
Open Care | Italy

The miniature world of the Neapolitan crib
Marcello Aversa | Italy

A contemporary chapter in bookbinding
Luis Mínguez Serrano | Spain

The poetry of feather mosaic
Henar Iglesias | Spain

Iban weaving: ancestral patterns in natural fibre
Senia Anak Jugi | Malaysia

Sail making: built to endure
Ratsey & Lapthorn | United Kingdom

Quilting as abstract art
Claudia Pettway Charley & Cathy Mooney | USA

Upholding Botswanan basketry tradition
Parata Shakunona | Botswana

The sculptural language of leather
Elaine Chan-Perryman | Netherlands

Ferronnerie Textile: architecture woven in ribbon
Studio MTX | France

Stained glass, from design to panel
Katrien Mestdagh | Belgium

Tholu Bommalata: stories in leather and light
Kanday Anjannapa | India

The Argentinian saddle, from pattern to form
Álvaro Cuitiño Fragapani | Argentina

The mastery of Barniz de Pasto
Gilberto & Óscar Granja | Colombia

Lace forged from metal
Giacomo Bevanati | Spain

Nerikomi: pattern built in clay
Laurin Schaub | Switzerland

Carving an insect from ebony
Etienne Rayssac | France

The making of a concert guitar
Joël Laplane | France

The discreet art of restoration
Yolaine Voltz | France

Micro-origami, from sheet to sculpture
Anya Midori | Germany

Sculpting glass at miniature scale
Simone Crestani | Italy

Depicting nature through paper and ink
Studio Marianne Guély | France