For the third time, Jaeger-LeCoultre will participate in the Homo Faber Biennial next month to celebrate the maison’s savoir-faire and share stories of talented craftspeople from around the globe. This aligns perfectly with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s initiative known as the Made of Makers programme, which highlights artists who embody the maison’s principles of creativity, expertise, precision, and appreciation for nature.
Reflecting a core value of the maison, Jaeger-LeCoultre has been chosen as a participant for the “Nature” exhibition. Many of the maison’s motifs are inspired by nature, as seen in the exhibited pieces of the Reverso One “Precious Flowers” watches.
The maison has always put an emphasis on the importance of traditional crafts, the value of passing down savoir-faire from generation to generation, and the influence of symbolic imagery throughout history. To animate the maison’s exhibit and offer visitors rare insights into precious craft skills, craftsmen from the manufacture will give live demonstrations of enamelling, engraving, gem setting, and watchmaking at various times throughout the month-long event.
From Sept 1 to 30, Homo Faber 2024: The Journey of Life will take place in Venice, marking the third edition of the Homo Faber Biennial. Known as a celebration of contemporary craftsmanship, this event is curated by the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship, a non-profit institution based in Switzerland that champions craftspeople worldwide, promoting a more human, inclusive, and sustainable future.
Homo faber is a Latin term that translates to “man, the maker” or “man, the craftsman.” It is used to describe the unique human capability for creativity and craftsmanship, emphasising the ability of humans to create, build, and innovate through skill and knowledge.
To celebrate the talent and accumulated savoir-faire in both watchmaking and decorative arts, Jaeger-LeCoultre will launch three new limited-edition Reverso timepieces during the Homo Faber Biennial.
Reinforcing its commitment to supporting the preservation and transmission of vitally important craft skills for future generations, Jaeger-LeCoultre became a partner of the Michelangelo Foundation in the Homo Faber Fellowship last year. This long-term initiative equips talented graduates with the creative and business skills necessary for integration into the professional craft sector.
The cycle began with a month-long residential masterclass held at the studio of renowned Portuguese contemporary artist Joana Vasconcelos, bringing together 20 duos of master craftsmen and newly graduated talents (or fellows). Workshops in creative skills were complemented by a design case study presented by Jaeger-LeCoultre and a bespoke programme focused on business skills and entrepreneurial vision, certified by Essec Business School.
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This was followed by a six-month residential placement for the fellows in the studios of their corresponding masters, during which they exchanged ideas and further developed their techniques through the co-creation of an object.
Crafty wonders
These objects have been curated for the Homo Faber Biennial, where they will be displayed in different exhibition areas, corresponding to the creative visions and craft skills that each embodies. Here is a glimpse of what you can look forward to.
“Eclipse” by Julien Vermeulen and Matéo Laurent (France) from Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs; craft of featherworking
“Silver Tea Service” by Seamus Gill and Claire Mooney (Ireland) from Ulster University; craft of silversmithing
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“Art Deco Totem” by Giannis Zois (Greece) and Shokhrukh Rakhimov (Uzbekistan) from Kamoliddin Behzod Institute; craft of ceramics
“Decocode” by Andreia Almeida and Manuel Pinto (Portugal) from Fress; craft of woodcarving
Homo Faber 2024: The Journey of Life is open to the public from Sept 1 to 30, from 10am to 7pm daily, at Fondazione Giorgio Cini on the island of S.Giorgio Maggiore, Venice. Information and tickets are available at homofaber.com
