'autentico: design made in puglia' pop-up exhibition opens in new york

traditional craft meets experimental innovation

A must-see design exhibition, ‘Autentico. Design made in Puglia,’ has opened in New York City to celebrate the rich design scene of Puglia — the southern Italian region that forms the heel of Italy‘s iconic boot-shaped profile. While Puglia is perhaps best known for its postcard coastal landscapes and historic Mediterranean architecture, it is also home to a thriving design community driven by a commitment to both experimental innovation and traditional craftsmanship. The exhibition showcases the work of eleven Pugliese designers who are redefining contemporary design through this blend of tradition and modernity. In a space curated by Archiproducts, the show features a curated selection of handmade design objects and furniture, all backdropped by a series of vibrant photographs by Pugliese photographer Piero Percoco. ‘Autentico. Design made in Puglia’ is located at 82 Gansevoort Street, New York, and be open to the public between November 10th to 17th, 2023.

images © Alex Kroke

design from puglia arrives in new york

The exhibition ‘Autentico. Design made in Puglia‘ brings the region’s creative community to the stage in New York. Right in the heart of Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, the immersive space neighbors the Whitney Museum of American Art as well as the High Line park entrance — it’s an important location for design and art enthusiasts in the city. Through the building’s glass facade, visitors are greeted at once by Piero Percoco‘s large-scale photographs highlighting the region’s rich design heritage and breathtaking landscapes. These contextual visuals set the stage as visitors begin to explore the Pugliese craftsmanship of today. 

exhibition view, entrance

‘autentico’ spotlights eleven designers

‘Autentico. Design made in Puglia’ proudly features the works of eleven prominent Pugliese design brands, each presenting a unique facet of the area’s design narrative through the exhibition. With furniture pieces, textiles, stonework, and lighting fixtures, the exhibition captures a wide spectrum of Pugliese craftsmanship. Pieces like Dimarmo’s ‘Onda’ — a meeting of traditional stonework and innovative marble techniques — exemplify a commitment to preserving heritage while embracing modern techniques. Meanwhile, Marra Pavimenti’s ‘Cementine’ flooring collection embodies the durability and beauty ingrained in Puglia’s craftsmanship.

Another highlight of the show includes unique modular seating by industrial design and high-tech prototyping company R.D.D. Italia. The cluster of spherical ‘Airu poufs’ range in size and can be endlessly reconfigured to create a unique sofa, a modern tête-à-tête, or a series of smaller individual seats. Pimar Italian Limestone Specialist displays AposPersano-designed ‘Arco’ coffee tables designed by alongside an array of textural stone tiles, all created from traditional Pugliese limestone.

Innerline by Affreschi & Affreschi (left)

Affreschi & Affreschi presents its ‘Innerline’ collection, specializing in handmade plaster cloth crafted from twenty-seven raw materials, including important Italian stones like Carrara marble and Roman travertine. Amura Lab brings the warmth and vibrancy of southern Italy to life through its ‘Lapis’ sofas, while Bianco Cave by Fato Stone displays Leccese limestone with sculptural pieces and geometric vases. Centrino Style‘s artisanal steelwork creates intricate, lace-like patterns on the ‘Donna Carmela’ and ‘Donna Maria’ wall lights. MitoHome’s dedication to detail is evident in their customizable, modular ‘Stone’ sofa. Officine Tamborrino embraces the essence of 1950s design in their durable ‘Nuvola’ side tables while Trame di Pietra focuses on authentic texture and detail, showcased through their ‘Tapis’ collection which emphasizes intricate raised patterns and natural tones.

Airu by R.D.D. Italia

Pasquale Junior Natuzzi, Creative Officer and Chief Brand Officer of furniture brand Natuzzi Italia and Chief Creative Officer of Natuzzi Group comments: ‘Many of Puglia’s finest brands have come together in the heart of NYC as ambassadors from our region. Our Mediterranean lifestyle and heritage, which is steeped in tradition and passion, offers an endless well of inspiration, where every story becomes a design, and every design tells a story. This exhibition celebrates not just the products, but the rich legacy of Puglia that has made a name for itself on the international stage.‘

Cementine by Marra Pavimenti

Arco by Pimar Italian Limestone Specialist
Nuvola by Officine Tamborrino

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Geometric Vases by Bianco Cave by Fato Stone

Portici by Dimarmo

Lapis by Amura Lab

Airu by R.D.D. Italia

Nuvola by Officine Tamborrino

Arco by Pimar Italian Limestone Specialist

Donna Carmela and Donna Maria by Centrino Style

Tapis by Trame di Pietra

project info:

exhibition title: Autentico: Design made in Puglia

location: 82 Gansevoort Street, New York, NY

on view: November 10th — 17th, 2023

exhibition design: Archiproducts

partners: Natuzzi, Section for Trade, Handicrafts, and International Business Promotion of the Regione Puglia, Puglia Sviluppo, Italian Trade Agency (ITA)

exhibition photography: © Alex Kroke