Shed Light

To coincide with the exhibition Shed light. Candles between art and design curated by Beppe Finessi at the Museo Poldi Pezzoli, the fifth issue of Inventario loosens its own binding, dedicating one of its signatures to the candle, an object that has spanned the centuries, survived the advent of electricity and continued to inspire artists and designers right up to the present.

“We are over a decade into the 21st century and yet here we are still imagining, making, designing, proposing and dreaming candles” remarks Finessi, drawing our attention to the allure that emanates from the warmth of a small flame and a stick of wax. We cannot resist returning over and over again to that element of fire that has always kept us company, its flickering light that makes every house a Home.

The 60 objects in Shed Light show how candles lend themselves to art in infinite ways: candles actually designed and made, candles merely suggested, a new generation of candle holders; photographs, drawing and sculptures as well.

Designs and works by major artists show how curiosity can revive even an object that is no longer part of our everyday existence, transcending function and renewing its appearance, extending the light beyond that cylinder of wax.