19/07/2019 - Davide Groppi presents 'La Luce nel piatto - Light on the plate', a new photographic project that recounts some of the most evocative projects realized in these years.
“Light on the plate” was born of the idea of putting light centre stage. Light as an ingredient, used courteously but at the same time decisively, on the tables, at the doorway and in the aisles. A true photographic work, in search of seduction and hospitality. The table is a place for meeting, for loving, for sharing. Each and every detail must touch the depths of the soul, and tend towards beauty.
'In my work I have always tried to break down boundaries, to discover unexplored territory, in search of a meaning, a possible truth', says Davide Groppi. 'When we design, we search for agreement, trying to ensure that others share with us the meaning we assign to our own ideas. Probably, for this very reason, the ideas over the course of history which have worked are those which, in some way, have approached a state which we can call truth. Some truths are instinctively recognised by all.
Over the last few years, I have had the chance to create the lighting for some restaurants. “Light on the plate” recounts the thoughts and ideas I have developed over the course of these extraordinary experiences. When I project the light for a restaurant, my only reference model is Caravaggio. I’ve always been charmed by light in Caravaggio’s paintings. Light is never trivial and it is always used in a theatrical way. It is a cinematographic light. Characters seem to be coming out from darkness. According to my vision, the restaurant is theatre. Restaurants I prefer are places where customer have the chance to live an experience. It is not only a wine and food experience, but also visual, olfactory, acoustic.
The restaurants I prefer are those which are able to stimulate all the senses, in a complete multi-sensory journey. If every aspect of the experience is up to scratch, I will have enjoyed an unforgettable experience. Lighting is fundamental in creating an emotional journey able to awaken original points of view, surprising details and angles. Light gives depth and intensity to glances, silences and words'.
Light enhances hidden corners, suggesting unexpected solutions and forgotten details. It takes away, creating fills and voids, highlighting gestures and expressions. Light is never neutral, it is always the protagonist, directing the course of our thoughts and our actions. It is a necessity in order to see, but also to seduce, to provide a sense of mystery, to suggest metaphors and imagine scenarios destined to become the itinerant, iridescent theatre of our lives.
DAVIDE GROPPI on ARCHIPRODUCTS
