“Non esistono arti minori o femminili”. Ce lo spiega Domitilla Dardi nel suo nuovo libro
Domitilla Dardi's new book "Cucire Universi" (published by Einaudi) presents a counter-history of design, focusing on techniques traditionally dismissed as "feminine" and "minor"—such as sewing, ceramics, cooking, and knitting. The book argues that these practices have been systematically undervalued by official art histories, yet have contributed significantly to technologically advanced research fields. Dardi uses real historical figures like Emily Dickinson to illustrate how women's creative and scientific talents were channeled into these marginalized domains, and she calls for overcoming the dualistic view that separates art from craft.
This matters because the book challenges long-standing gender and value biases embedded in art and design history. By re-evaluating techniques often relegated to hobby or domestic spheres, Dardi opens up new perspectives on the history of design and innovation. The work is part of a broader cultural shift to recognize the intellectual and material contributions of women and non-Western traditions, and it invites readers to reconsider what counts as "serious" art or design.