Sluggish Furniture Assembly: A potent tribute to the passage of time
David Dolcini's exhibition, "Le Forme del Tempo," ran from March 29th to May 24th, 2025, at Volumnia, Stradone Farnese, 33, Piacenza, Italy. The exhibition, curated by Marco Sammicheli, director of the Triennale di Milano, showcased a collection of handcrafted wood sculptures that echoed the clean lines of Dolcini's timeless designs.
The exhibition space, Volumnia, once a grand church, provided a calming and harmonious atmosphere for the display of Dolcini's work. Muted tones of fir, oak, and cedar wood dominated the space, with reflective surfaces like the Radia wall hanging, made in a new bronze effect, adding a touch of elegance.
Dolcini's philosophy as a carpenter is rooted in the belief that a real carpenter must be able to build their own tools. This philosophy was evident in the creation of his latest series, which was born during the pandemic in 2020. The Supino mirror, a standout piece in the collection, required Dolcini to design a custom tool for a precise 45-degree angle cut, demonstrating his mastery of the craft.
One of the unique aspects of Dolcini's work is his use of local wood sourcing. He collected most of the wood for his projects from retiring carpenters in his local area, giving new life to discarded materials. This approach was particularly evident in the Spina chair, expertly joined without additional fixings to form a functional seat.
The exhibition featured several pieces with overlapping woods like fir, American walnut, and oak, creating soft contrasts. The Tralci wool and silk rug, handmade in India, was another highlight. Its lines mirrored the clean lines of Dolcini's timber sculptures, adding a touch of warmth and texture to the space.
In a departure from traditional Western methods, Dolcini adopted a Japanese technique for straight cuts, creating pieces that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The Radia wall hanging, made in collaboration with Arflex, was another example of this fusion of Eastern and Western techniques.
The atmosphere of the exhibition was peaceful and contemplative, inviting visitors to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of each piece. David Dolcini's "Le Forme del Tempo" was more than just an exhibition; it was a testament to the power of craftsmanship and the enduring appeal of simple, yet elegant design.
[1] Marco Sammicheli, director of the Triennale di Milano, curated David Dolcini's exhibition "Le Forme del Tempo" at Volumnia, Piacenza, Italy, from March 29 to May 24, 2025.
[1] The interior design and layout of Volumnia, transformed from a grand church, perfectly complemented the lifestyle-focused home-and-garden aesthetic of David Dolcini's exhibition, "Le Forme del Tempo."
[2] The handcrafted wood sculptures, embodying Dolcini's belief in the importance of a carpenter creating their own tools, seamlessly integrated with the design elements of the home-and-garden space, creating a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal.
