Homo Faber 2026 runs from September 1 to 30 on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice. The exhibition includes ceramics and artistic metalwork by three artisans from Uzbekistan, while the education programme introduces visitors to the art of suzani.
Craft in a contemporary exhibition
The exhibition occupies the historic spaces of the Fondazione Giorgio Cini. The fourth edition is titled An Island of Light and explores the relationship between light, materials and handcraft. Artistic director Es Devlin has arranged the presentation as a route through 15 immersive installations.
According to the organisers, Homo Faber brings together more than 500 artisans from over 70 countries and more than 700 objects. Uzbekistan's Art and Culture Development Foundation is presenting work by Sanjar Kubaev, Shavkiddin Kamalov and Alisher Nazirov.
Ceramics and metalwork
Sanjar Kubaev and Alisher Nazirov are represented by two large ceramic vessels. The official catalogue lists them together as Azure (Kallik) Moonjar; Blossoms on Water. One is made from Rishtan red clay and decorated with an islimi plant motif. The other is made from semi-porcelain with a crystalline glaze.
The exhibition also includes five artistic scissors handmade by the Kamalov dynasty of Bukhara blacksmiths. Their shapes resemble birds. The curved beak allows precise trimming of raised gold embroidery, and the family workshop has preserved the design since 1965.
Suzani in the education programme
Madina Kasymbaeva's participation is part of Homo Faber's education programme rather than its exhibition. She is listed in a programme devoted to suzani art, traditional embroidery techniques and the cultural practices associated with them.
The Michelangelo Foundation organises the exhibition, which remains open at the Fondazione Giorgio Cini until September 30. The programme also includes live demonstrations, practical workshops and themed tours.
