An olive branch from Agostino Iacurci’s “Mediterranean Scrub“ on the Natuzzi Miami façade Courtesy of Natuzzi
Natuzzi Italia, a leader in luxury furniture, showcased its commitment to artistry and environmental awareness with the PUGLIA LOVERS event at its Miami showroom on Thursday. The event featured a special installation by artist Agostino Iacurci, titled Mediterranean Scrub: A Journey Between Memory and Ecological Transformation. This initiative was part of Natuzzi’s Open Art Project, a collaboration that pairs creative talents with the brand’s design offerings.
The exhibition was designed in partnership with Save the Olives, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the Xylella Fastidiosa epidemic threatening olive trees in southern Italy. Iacurci’s immersive installation invited visitors into a visual narrative centered on memory, identity, and landscape, beginning with a striking facade adorned with a stylized olive branch that served as a gateway to the Mediterranean experience.
Far left and right: artist Agostino Iacurci (courtesy of Natuzzi); Center: “Mediterranean Scrub” installation (BFA)
Inside, large, suspended flags—measuring approximately nine by six feet—depicted black silhouettes of Mediterranean flora, including borage, strawberry tree, poppy, arugula, and nettle. These elements not only evoked the artist’s childhood memories but also highlighted the fragility and resilience of the Mediterranean ecosystem, crafted from humble materials like paints and light textiles.
Iacurci’s work poignantly addressed the environmental crisis wrought by Xylella Fastidiosa, which has decimated countless olive oil trees. His installation captures the duality of southern Italy’s landscapes, deeply rooted in tradition yet ever-evolving.
Coinciding with the event, Alcova Miami is hosting the Puglia Contemporary Land exhibition from December 3-8. This project, promoted by the Puglia Region and curated by Cristiano Seganfreddo, celebrates the rich contemporary culture of Puglia, merging historical influences with modern artistry. The exhibition features a diverse array of works from contemporary furniture companies, including Amura and Vero International, as well as ceramics by Fratelli Colì and contributions from various designers and artists.
Puglia Contemporary Land also marks the debut of an internationally distributed magazine set for release next year. This publication aims to bridge local Puglian culture with global trends, showcasing a dynamic mosaic of stories and craftsmanship that honors the region’s evolving identity.
Founded in 1959 by Pasquale Natuzzi, Natuzzi S.p.A. is recognized worldwide for its exquisite Italian design and craftsmanship, distributing collections through 681 retail stores and approximately 600 wholesale locations globally. Committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, Natuzzi holds multiple quality and safety certifications, solidifying its reputation in the luxury furniture market.
photo credit: [JASON LOWRIE] / BFA.com
