South Africans light up Venice Biennale in Italy

Cape Town-based SAOTA and ARRCC, along with Poliform, have collaborated for a spectacular exhibition – LIGHT SPACE LIFE – at the prestigious Venice Biennale called Time Space Existence.

This exhibition in Italy is hosted by the European Cultural Centre from May 20 to November 26, 2023.

The three brands say their collaboration is a natural fit – with a shared commitment to exceptional design and sustainability. SAOTA and ARRCC specialise in creating buildings that offer practical solutions while enhancing people’s lives, and Italy’s Poliform – which will be opening up their Cape Town showroom in September – is known for its attention to detail and timeless appeal in furniture design.

The Venice Biennale provides a global platform for artists, architects, and designers to showcase their innovative work to a wide audience. Participating in this event allows SAOTA, ARRCC, and Poliform to go beyond display, demonstrating their dedication to pushing boundaries and creating extraordinary design experiences, the brands said.

SAOTA, ARRCC, and Poliform pride themselves in minimising environmental impact, like using locally sourced materials and supporting the local economy.

“SAOTA and ARRCC have distilled their design philosophy into three core elements: LIGHT SPACE LIFE. These principles resonate throughout their projects, encompassing contemporary architecture and various aspects of life. Poliform’s book “Time, Light, Space” captures their innovative designs through powerful images by photographer Paolo Roversi,” says the statement.

Using the tools ‘light, space and life’, the three say they balance human-made structures and nature. The exhibition at Palazzo Bembo in Venice features 15 screens on a corner wall, providing a window into these remarkable buildings and spaces. Through videos, visitors can witness a collection of architectural works, highlighting the studios’ connection to Cape Town and showcasing various projects. SAOTA, ARRCC, and Poliform invite visitors to immerse themselves in the principles of LIGHT SPACE LIFE, which are evident in each video and project.