“Il Mare Artigiano”: A Journey Between Art and Sustainability

In a world where sustainability is no longer just an option but a necessity, Il Mare Artigiano emerges as an innovative project that intertwines creativity, regeneration, and environmental commitment. Promoted by Aquafil in collaboration with Healthy Seas, this initiative represents a truly circular journey that starts from the sea and goes through creativity, transforming recycled materials into unique works of art.

It all began with the prestigious Helmut Newton. Legacy retrospective hosted at Palazzo Reale in Milan in 2023. For the occasion, 1,300 square meters of carpet made from ECONYL® regenerated yarn covered the exhibition floors. ECONYL® yarn, created from recovered nylon, such as old carpets, fabric scraps, plastic components, and discarded fishing nets mainly coming from the aquaculture industry, shaped an elegant surface that already tells a story of regeneration.

But its life doesn’t end there. At the end of the exhibition, around 1,000 square meters of this carpet were recovered and reused. The remaining 200 square meters were entrusted to eight renowned artists, who transformed them into extraordinary works of art as part of the Il Mare Artigiano project.

Creative Transformation: Art and Responsibility

Well-known artists such as Luca Barcellona, Francesca Bazzurro, and Michele Tranquillini among others found inspiration in the themes of circular economy and sustainability, creating works that reflect the transformative power of recovery. Each piece tells a unique story, where the reuse of materials blends with artistic exploration to give life to powerful and tangible messages. These artworks reflect a commitment to the environment and embody the beauty of art as a tool for change.

From Sea to Art and Back: A Virtuous Cycle

Il Mare Artigiano represents an expression of circularity: the fishing nets recovered from the seas, thanks to volunteer divers, are part of the nylon waste that enters the ECONYL® regeneration process, to be transformed into brand new ECONYL® yarn. This revolutionary ingredient was used by Tarkett – Sit-in to produce the carpet for the Helmut Newton Exhibition. Through the creative action of the artists, the recovered carpet became 16 extraordinary pieces of art now available to the public for purchase. Each sale will support the Healthy Seas Foundation’s mission to preserve our seas and protect marine life.

This project not only raises awareness but promotes concrete actions for more virtuous cycles.

Be Part of the Change

From 12 September to 12 October 2024, you will have the opportunity to visit the complete collection live at the Galleria Bonvini 1909, via Tagliamento 1 in Milan.

By purchasing one of these works, you will contribute to funding new missions for the Healthy Seas Foundation. Explore the artworks created by these talented artists and discover how you can make a difference.

Artists who participate in the project: Luca Barcellona, Francesca Bazzurro e Luciana Meazza, Beppe Giacobbe e Agnese Cattoretti, Valentina Grilli, Guido Scarabottolo, Carlo Stanga, Michele Tranquillini, Francesca Zoboli