The Italian Embassy in Sofia and the Italian Cultural Institute in Bulgaria, together with the National Gallery, present for the very first time in Bulgaria the works of the Roman jewelry designer Diego Percossi Papi.
The initiative is part of the Italian Design Day 2022 – a series of promotional events held by the Italian diplomatic and consular network in all countries around the world to promote artistic and cultural heritage, which is the result of a sophisticated and harmonious relationship between history, culture, art and mastery of the highest level. This exhibition symbolically embodies the Italian genius, built of insights, original ideas, ancient knowledge, culture and experiences, love of beauty and great craftsmanship.
What is Dante’s connection with the art of art of jewellery? Atelier Percossi Papi pays tribute to the Supreme Poet, illustrating Dante Alighieri’s journey in “Divine Comedy” through magnificent jewelry and art objects. Charon, the Minotaur, and the Erinyes, with their fearsome and very rich forms, represent Hell. In Purgatory envy, anger and greed are the most terrible mortal sins. The sky shines with precious stones and miniatures. Art installations, modern and ancient precious objects emphasize the absolute timeliness of this literary masterpiece.
Diego Percossi Papi was born in 1948 in Rome, where he still resides. He began his career at the age of twenty while attending the Faculty of Architecture. Percossi Papi has presented individual exhibitions at the Palazzo Venezia in Rome, the Museum of Ethnography in St. Petersburg, the Palazzo Baciocchi in Lucca and the Neumünster Abbey in Luxembourg.
In the studio in Rome at 16 Sant’Eustachio Street, where master Percossi Papi works, jewelry for the following films was made: “Murder in the Orient Express” by Kenneth Branagh (2017), “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” by Shekhar Kapoor (2007), “The Lark Farm” by Paolo and Vittorio Taviani (2007), “Alatriste” by Agustin Diaz Janes (2006), “The Profession of Arms” by Ermanno Olmi (2001), “Rossini-Rossini” by Mario Monicelli (1991); along with unique creations for actresses Penelope Cruz, Judy Dench, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sophia Loren, Jacqueline Bisset, Isabelle Huppert and Cate Blanchett.
Jewelry is not a cold and inanimate object, but an expression of the personality of those who create it, as well as those who wear it. In this sense, Master Diego Percossi Papi is remarkable representative of the goldsmith tradition with the highest craftsmanship and artistic value.
