In celebration of Art Basel and Design Miami, two leading global events defining design as an art form, Natuzzi Italia opens its Miami store for a special edition of Natuzzi Open Art. This patronage project, initiated in 2007 by Pasquale Natuzzi, aims to create experiential moments of contemporary art within Natuzzi spaces, fostering inclusivity and creativity. This year's edition features a partnership with Regione Puglia and Pugliapromozione, spotlighting the region that inspires Natuzzi's collections—a place renowned for art, beauty, and craftsmanship. The result is Puglia Lovers, an immersive narrative capturing the colours, textures, and flavours of the region.
The installation Mediterranean Scrub, by Apulian artist Agostino Iacurci, transforms the Miami store into a visual poem. Curated by Cristiano Seganfreddo, it extends seamlessly between the store's interior and exterior, inviting visitors to reflect on the brand's heritage and contemporary design. Open from 4th December, this work embodies a celebration of regional identity.
Pasquale Junior Natuzzi, Chief Creative Officer of Natuzzi Italia, comments, 'Natuzzi Open Art is an exceptional way to communicate the unique identity of Puglia, our muse and home, through art and beauty. This journey has both aesthetic and ethical dimensions, drawing attention to the tragedy of the olive tree's decline due to Xylella, which has affected our landscape for years. Each tree lost means the loss of part of our history and identity. The work of Agostino Iacurci and our collaboration with Regione Puglia and Pugliapromozione strengthen our mission alongside Save the Olives, which seeks solutions to this crisis.'
Mediterranean Scrub features a stylised olive branch on the façade, symbolising entry into the Mediterranean heart. Inside, large canvases depict native plants like borage and poppy, framed by black silhouettes evoking life and memory. These elements are both personal and symbolic, creating a landscape where tradition and resilience meet.
Iacurci explains, 'I envisioned a narrative unfolding in multiple acts, turning the building into a metaphorical Mediterranean scrub. "Scrub" also refers to the erosion caused by Xylella, and the work includes plants alongside the olive tree to show the landscape's diversity.'
Natuzzi Italia continues its support for Xylella research through sales of prints based on Iacurci's work. Cristiano Seganfreddo adds, 'The installation merges memory and future, where art becomes a tool for understanding and imagining our world. The simple materials echo the strength and fragility of the Mediterranean.'
This project is part of Puglia Contemporary Land, an initiative by Regione Puglia and Pugliapromozione. Showcased at Alcova Miami, it highlights Apulian design and craftsmanship, establishing connections with the North American market and enriching the art and design week for the second consecutive year.
More information:
Natuzzi Italia
www.natuzzi.com