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La Traviata is a complete work of art: it is architecture, light, poetry, dance and movement.
It is an imaginary scene that allows the observer to contemplate; the light evokes a calm that enhances the senses, making it easier to hear and perceive one’s surroundings. Wilson designed the product on stage with the same approach he uses in all of his expressive vehicles: the work is the fruit of “the reduction of the languages of words, gestures and behaviors to their basic grammars, to the minimal structure of their complexity” (Achille Bonito Oliva, “Space Time” - SilvanaEditoriale, 2014).
The result is completely abstract and non-interpretive, leaving the on-looker the chance to freely associate their own, imaginative universe. Light is space, and without it, nothing would have the same dimension.
When a Research and development team begins a new creative endeavor, they face the challenge of correctly interpreting an abstract idea, of ra-pidly imagining it as a real object that stands as the designer’s expression as well as respects the identity of the brand.
In La Traviata’s case, after the initial steps, we immediately focused on how to close the elements that make up its shape. The lamp has been compared to a crystal of ice, due to its colour and structure, and Slamp, who works with two-dimensional techno-polymer sheets, chose Lentiflex® because of its transparency and extraordinary ability to liquify light, by combining it with the diffusing effect of Methacrylate.
The method of constructing the “arrows” was studied in parallel to the lighting technique, as it was necessary to find a way to perfectly seal their edges; the method of illumination was care-fully studied to ensure that each crystal had the colour saturation that Wilson de- sired. Within an atmosphere of constant dialogue and constructi-ve comparisons, the light and shapes became concrete after four months of work.
Having found that no existing LEDs were fit for La Traviata, we decided to start from scratch. To be sure that the main arrow and its varying elements were connected without compromising the weight or transparency of the lamp, we engineered prin-ted injection connectors that are completely in-visible.
The stage of the Teatro dell'Arte at the Milan Triennale hosted the dinner reserved for the presentation of La Traviata. The imperial table was set with great care, ready to host the 40 guests who, upon entering the theatre, were greeted by the prelude to Verdi's opera, marking the beginning of the placè dinner. Suspended above the stage, the light sculptures became the stars of an extraordinary performance, a play of light, colour and movement that enchanted the guests.
"The first time I found myself face to face with Bob was last September; we were at an intimate dinner in Milan. I was immediately pulled into his most intimate universe, not only as an artist but a human being.
Beyond the critics’ words and the unstoppable experience that Bob’s scenes evoke, what fascinated me about that man, and what I have told him every time I have seen him since, is that he has something that touches people on an ancestral level.
I am an empathetic person; emotive aspects are very important for me at work, from the pleasure of spending time with others to the the moving genesis of a project, originating from quality relationships. I immediately realized that a collaboration with him would enrich Slamp with culture, vision, and sensations, bringing something visionary and avant-garde, above all due to his idea that light is the only element able to define space.
The result, the La Traviata light sculpture, is aspirational, mysterious, seductive, experimental, innovative, and original, with a touch of irony that Bob integrates into all of his works, as does Slamp."
During the 2016 Fuorisalone, inside Hotel Wallpaper on Via San Gregorio, the space curated by the renowned lifestyle magazine came to life with a refined setup. The La Traviata sculptures were selected to illuminate the Ballroom, creating a unique atmosphere. The sounds of Anohni and the Johnsons filled the air, while excellent cocktails and a vibrant energy, fueled by the projection of a short film on the luminous sculpture directed by Federico Zanotti, set the tone for the evening.
In 2016, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of "The Watermill Center," Slamp took part in “ART of the Treasure Hunt,” an event organized by art collector Luziah Hennessy in Tuscany. During this event, Robert Wilson's luminous sculpture La Traviata was featured in a special installation at the historic Felsina winery in Castelnuovo Berardenga (SI), amidst the barrels of Chianti Classico. Other sculptures by Wilson were displayed at the Relais & Châteaux Borgo San Felice, alongside an Aria Gold chandelier installation in homage to Zaha Hadid. The event was open to the public until October 2016.
La Traviata, the luminous sculpture by Robert Wilson for Slamp, was featured in the 23rd art auction of the Watermill Center in New York on July 30, 2016. The creative journey between Wilson, the visionary playwright, and Slamp began less than a year earlier, culminating in the display of 8 prototypes of La Traviata, presented in a unique and exclusive light installation. The pieces were auctioned by renowned auctioneer Simon de Pury, with the proceeds dedicated to supporting the young talents of the Watermill Center, helping them build a bright future in the arts.
Robert Wilson’s concept for Slamp’s Salone del Mobile 2017 exhibition, “LIGHT OF OTHER WORLDS”, showcased unique perspectives from the brand’s new collections.
The talk, “The Experience of Light in Architecture, Art and Design”, featured Robert Wilson, Daniel Libeskind, Doriana e Massimiliano Fuksas, Maha Kutay e Woody Yao di Studio Hadid, Nynke Tynagel e Job Smeets di Studio Job, Analogia Project Studio e Zaim Kamal di Montblanc International, Cristina Morozzi, moderated by Tony Chambers (Wallpaper), discussing the importance of light in design.
On April 6, 2017, Robert Wilson, Dimitris Pandermalis, director of the Acropolis Museum in Athens, and Thodoris Economou, renowned pianist, attended an exclusive event at the Acropolis Museum, located in the historic heart of Makriyianni.
The archaeological ruins of the 5th century AD served as the backdrop for the event, illuminated by light sculptures designed by Robert Wilson for Slamp. The evening began at 8:30 PM with a concert by Thodoris Economou in the Parthenon Gallery, offering panoramic views of the ancient temples and the Agora. At 9:15 PM, Dimitris Pandermalis and Robert Wilson discussed the importance of light, drawing inspiration from the sculpture La Traviata, which has been on permanent display at the museum since 2017.
Slamp was a technical partner of the McKim Medal Gala, an event held in honor of individuals whose work in the United States and Italy has significantly contributed to the arts and humanities.
In that edition, the McKim Gala Chair, Maria Teresa Venturini Fendi, selected Slamp’s Made in Italy design to illuminate the Gala, hosted at Villa Aurelia (Gianicolo).
Six luminous “La Traviata” sculptures by Robert Wilson and “Mida,” unique glowing jewels, created a magical ambiance in the Limoni gardens.
The McKim Medal Gala, an annual fundraising event, supports the Fellowship Program, which enables Americans and Italians to pursue their studies in a dynamic and constantly evolving environment. That year’s Gala also gave special recognition to two Italians: Paola Antonelli, Senior Curator of Architecture and Design at MoMA and curator of Milan’s XXIII Triennale “Broken Nature,” and Luca Guadagnino, Director, Screenwriter, and Producer.
Robert Wilson
‘The world's most visionary theatre director’, The New York Times
October 17th, 2015, Milan:
During a dinner organized by Luziah Hennessy, who is friends with both Robert Wilson and Roberto Ziliani , the two meet and discuss the important things they have in common, including art, design, and of course, light.
They are immediately comfortable with one another, delving deep into personal topics (their childho-od, emotions, and personal relationships). After seeing several shots of Wilson’s “La Traviata”, produced in Linz a few months before, they begin to create an agreement for a project together....