In the world of design, it’s uncommon for a creator to embrace a free-flowing, untethered approach to their craft. Breaking free from the constraints of time requires immense courage, reflecting a deep desire for self-discovery and creative evolution. David Dolcini, an award-winning Italian designer, embodies this fearless spirit. Born into a family of artists steeped in a legacy of masterful craftsmanship, Dolcini’s journey as a designer has been a slow, intuitive, and deeply personal one. His project, Timemade, which began in 2019, is a testament to this philosophy. By dedicating himself to the process, Dolcini allows his hands to guide him, trusting in the organic evolution of his work. Each piece he creates is a reflection of his patience and his commitment to storytelling, with every object carrying a multilayered narrative that unfolds over time.
Dolcini’s work is deeply rooted in his exploration of time and its passage. His creations, primarily crafted from wood, are not just physical objects but vessels that carry the weight of his growth as an artist. These pieces are emotional, evocative, and deeply personal, inviting the viewer to connect with them on a primal level. His latest exhibition, Le forme del tempo (The Shapes of Time), which opens on March 29, 2025, at the Volumnia gallery in Piacenza, Italy, promises to showcase his most intimate musings yet. The exhibition is divided into two chapters, with the first installment having debuted in December 2024. The second chapter will greet visitors in the forecourt of the 16th-century Basilica of Sant’Agostino before guiding them through the heart of Piacenza. This site-specific arrangement is not merely a display of objects but a journey through time, space, and the designer’s inner world.
The exhibition is a collaboration between Dolcini and Marco Sammicheli, curator for design, fashion, and craftsmanship at the Triennale Milano and director of the Museum of Italian Design. Together, they have crafted a space that is both monumental and deeply human. The objects on display are characterized by their raw honesty and subtle poetic beauty, shaped by Dolcini’s evolving identity as an artist. These works are grouped into distinct families—grafts, overlays, tendrils, and converts—each representing a unique cluster of ideas that have taken shape over time. The arrangement is deliberate, with each piece placed to guide the viewer through a pathway that mirrors the gallery’s historic and monumental architecture. The result is an immersive experience that invites reflection, self-discovery, and a profound connection to the present moment.
Dolcini’s approach to design is deeply experimental, driven by a passion for building meaningful relationships with those who encounter his work. His creations are not just objects; they are emotional touchpoints that evoke tension, attachment, and introspection. Each piece is a testament to his dialogue with time—a dialogue rooted in his respect for the present and his willingness to trust in its unfolding. By diving deep into the technical and material aspects of his craft, Dolcini’s work seamlessly blends his mastery of woodworking and sculptural techniques with a broad spectrum of research spanning art, history, and science. His eponymous studio, founded in 2007, is a multidisciplinary space where product design, interior design, installations, and creative direction converge. Over the years, Dolcini has collaborated with prestigious brands such as Luceplan, Porada, and Panasonic, earning international acclaim and recognition for his technical prowess and sensitivity to materials.
The setting for Le forme del tempo is as significant as the work itself. The Basilica of Sant’Agostino in Piacenza, once abandoned and hidden from public view, has been restored to its former glory through the vision of Enrica De Micheli, the founder of Volumnia. Established in 2018, Volumnia has become a unique cultural space where historic design and contemporary art intertwine, creating a bridge between the past and the present. This historic yet modern backdrop is the perfect setting for Dolcini’s work, which carries the weight of memory and the beauty of slow, intentional creation. The exhibition will run from March 29, 2025, to May 24, 2025, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience the work of a designer who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of time, craftsmanship, and emotional connection.
In Le forme del tempo, David Dolcini invites us to slow down, to immerse ourselves in the present, and to reconnect with the beauty of the handmade. His work is a reminder that true creativity is not about speed or efficiency but about the courage to embrace the unknown, to trust in the process, and to allow oneself to be shaped by time. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, Dolcini’s work offers a profound lesson: that the slow, intuitive act of creation can be a powerful source of meaning, connection, and inspiration.
