At the recent 40th edition of Cersaie – the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tiles and Bathroom Furnishings – there was much to celebrate. A record 100,000 international guests attended, an almost nine percent increase from the previous year, exploring the many offerings of the 353 exhibitors showcasing the latest artistic and technical achievements in ceramic and porcelain tile. It is difficult not to marvel at the potential of these materials as designers and manufacturers draw on its “blank slate” to present sustainable, durable alternatives to wood and stone, as well as present their own vibrant graphics and creations. We are often asked if, after all of this time, there’s still something new to see. And we can only answer: Is there ever a time when art presented on canvas does not intrigue and delight us? Cersaie Celebrates its 40th Anniversary in Bologna, Italy
Eyes were drawn to collections that suggested a level of optimism and merriment. This was greatly expressed in playful colors, reminiscent of old-school video gaming, featured at Gruppo Bardelli S.p.A. Industrial Group and Glocal. Additionally, the increasingly popular ‘maker’s movement’ was well-represented with hand-painted ceramics from Cersarda on the Costa Smeralda, as well as designer Francesco de Maio from the Amalfi coast. On the flipside, pastels presented an out-of-this-world atmosphere, evidenced in the varying shades of pinks and blue grays onyx. Meanwhile, INTERIOR DESIGN Hall of Famer Piero Lissoni created the entirety of the ‘Boost’ palette in Atlas Concorde. Alongside the modular graphic in diamond black and white by Zaha Hadid Architects. At Cersaie, other notable designers that presented included Paola Navone, Nendo, and Ferruccio Laviani.
If you weren’t able to attend, you can take our visual tour and start planning for Cersaie 2024. It will take place in Bologna from September 23rd to September 27th.
Cersaie unveiled two groundbreaking innovations providing a contrast between hard stone looks and seemingly soft, silky surfaces. Like whooping-sized slabs and advanced technology. These create a sense of cocooning, made especially visible in Refin’s Cera with its molten wax-like face inspired by melting candles. Flaviker’s Drape was equally stunning, featuring floor-to-ceiling panels of flowing. Quasi 3-D curtains demanding to be touched and experienced in person.
At the show, sustainability was an ever-present theme, evident through the discussions surrounding abatement, emissions, circularity, and dematerialization. As one booth clearly illustrated, the message was loud and clear: “Lighter, leaner, greener.” This apt mantra perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the demonstration.
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