These Sustainable and Sculptural Pieces Made Waves at Alcova in Milan

Valentina Ciuffi and Joseph Grima launched Alcova in 2018 as a showcase of group exhibitions in overlooked locations of historical significance around Milan (think former military barracks, abandoned villas, and old factories). This year hosted two U.S. makers: Refractory, a new studio out of Chicago, proffers furniture evocative of tectonic forces and erosion, including the Heretofore suspension light; Otherside Objects, from Los Angeles, brought Wavy, a bench in deadstock canvas and salvaged Douglas Fir resembling a futon draped over wooden orbs. Duyi Han’s “Ordinance of the Subconscious Treatment” broaches mental health in a room installation modelled after a typical Chinese apartment, its silk upholstery embroidered with the chemical symbols for dopamine and serotonin. Among other highlights: sculptural stoneware lamps (Arche #3 and #4) from Italian ceramicist Elisa Uberti, Formstelle’s Zenso High lounger for Zeitraum, and A. Vetra’s A Gentle Gathering home textiles by Giulia Ferraris.