Mario Ceroli & The Strength to Dream: A Legacy of Sustainable Form

At a time when sustainability is often discussed in terms of technological innovation, Mario Ceroli’s work reminds us that true sustainability also lies in honoring tradition, material integrity, and a deep connection to nature. His current exhibition, La Forza di Sognare Ancora (The Strength to Dream Once Again), at Palazzo Citterio, Milan, is not just a retrospective of a master artist but a powerful statement on the enduring value of craftsmanship, ecological consciousness, and sustainable artistic expression.

At the core of The Wave of Sustainable Design is the idea that sustainability is not just about new materials, but also about how we engage with form, space, and nature over time. Ceroli’s work, with its raw materials, ancestral forms, and timeless narratives, perfectly aligns with this philosophy. His sculptures—often carved from wood and layered into architectural compositions—do not simply depict human figures; they speak to the symbiotic relationship between humanity, materiality, and the environment.

Reconnecting Art, Nature, and Sustainability

Ceroli’s artistic practice emerged at the crossroads of Pop Art and Arte Povera, yet his trajectory was distinctly personal—guided by a deep respect for classical tradition and the organic nature of raw materials. His work is not bound by passing artistic movements but instead follows a more profound, almost ancestral path—one that recognizes the wisdom of traditional craftsmanship while embracing contemporary concerns.

Venexia: A Monument to Sustainable Thinking

One of the most striking pieces in the exhibition is Venexia, a monumental installation composed of sixty-two sculptural elements, each forming part of a delicate yet powerful balance between nature, form, and the built environment. The piece functions as a metaphor for harmonious coexistence—between people, materials, and the ecosystems we inhabit.

At a time when architecture and design are shifting towards circular economies and regenerative thinking, Venexia serves as a reminder that sustainability is not only about reducing impact but also about preserving the integrity of materials and the stories they carry.

The Strength to Dream: A Philosophy of Sustainability

“The Strength to Dream” is more than just the title of the exhibition—it is a statement about artistic and ecological resilience.

Ceroli’s approach stands in stark contrast to today’s culture of mass production and digital excess. By working with natural, locally sourced materials, he emphasizes an ethos that mirrors that of The Wave of Sustainable Design: using what already exists, transforming it, and giving it new meaning. His art challenges us to rethink sustainability—not as an industry buzzword, but as a philosophical commitment to preserving, reinterpreting, and respecting the resources we have.

Art, Design, and Sustainability: The New Humanism

Ceroli’s work aligns with what has been called “new planetary humanism”, a concept proposed by Father Ernesto Balducci in 2005. This vision suggests that art, design, and sustainability must come together in a way that prioritizes both ecological and human well-being. It’s an approach that The Wave of Sustainable Design champions by showcasing designers, architects, and artists who see sustainability not just as a necessity but as a creative opportunity.

His work also connects deeply with The Wave’s larger theme: rethinking the way we build, design, and create spaces that are in harmony with nature. The sensory and tactile qualities of Ceroli’s work echo the way sustainable materials—whether in architecture, interiors, or art—can help re-establish lost connections between people and the environments they inhabit.

Sustainability as a Creative Act

For The Wave of Sustainable Design, Ceroli’s exhibition serves as a case study in how art can influence sustainable thinking. His work invites us to look at materials differently, to consider the emotional and ecological impact of what we create, and to ensure that sustainability is not just a technical solution but a cultural movement rooted in meaning, history, and artistic expression.

Exhibition Details:

Mario Ceroli: La Forza di Sognare Ancora

Palazzo Citterio, Milan

December 7, 2024 – March 23, 2025

As we continue shaping The Wave of Sustainable Design, we invite our audience to reflect on Ceroli’s legacy: What if sustainability isn’t just about innovation, but about rediscovering and preserving the essence of materials and artistic heritage?

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