L’intima corrispondenza tra l’artista Maria Lai e lo stilista Antonio Marras è in mostra a Milano
The exhibition "Paso Doble" at Galleria M77 in Milan brings together over 200 works by artist Maria Lai (1919–2013) and fashion designer Antonio Marras, curated by Francesca Alfano Miglietti. The show explores the deep creative and personal dialogue between the two, rooted in a transformative encounter that Marras describes as a turning point in his artistic language. Works range from historical pieces by Lai—including textile books, thread installations, and stone-embedded works—to Marras's own mixed-media creations using humble materials like cardboard, fabric scraps, and pastry trays. The exhibition culminates in collaborative installations such as "Llencols de aigua" (Water Sheets) and "Janas," immersive environments where viewers become part of a silent choreography of memory and imagination.
This exhibition matters because it illuminates the enduring influence of Maria Lai, a pioneering Italian artist who used thread and weaving to connect earth, sky, and human experience, on a major contemporary fashion figure. By staging a visual dialogue across generations and disciplines, "Paso Doble" highlights how Lai's poetic, tactile approach to art continues to inspire new creative languages. It also underscores the growing institutional recognition of women artists from the 20th century, while offering a rare glimpse into the collaborative process between an artist and a designer who share an elective affinity. The show positions Milan as a hub for cross-disciplinary exhibitions that bridge fine art and fashion.