Es Devlin, Library of Light. Photography: Monica Spezia. Courtesy of Salone del Mobile
Es Devlin, Library of Light. Photography: Monica Spezia. Courtesy of Salone del Mobile
Es Devlin, Library of Light. Photography: Monica Spezia. Courtesy of Salone del Mobile
Es Devlin, Library of Light. Photography: Monica Spezia. Courtesy of Salone del Mobile
One of the standout installations of this year’s Milan Design Week is undoubtedly British Designer Es Devlin’s spectacular Library of Light at the Pinacoteca di Brera gallery.
The kinetic installation resembles a glowing halo and rotates on a cylindrical axis around Antonio Canova’s sculpture of Napoleon in the guise of Mars the Peacemaker, mounted in the centre of the Cortile d’Onore courtyard.
Some 3,000 books—donated by Italian publishing house Feltrinelli to touch on the Salone del Mobile’s theme, Thought for Humans— crowd the library’s glowing shelves, illuminated by white light. A cylindrical walkway, benches, and steps offer space for visitors to gather for book readings and performances.
Devlin says the pavilion is loosely inspired by a carousel, and takes on a nostalgic feel at night when illuminated by white LEDs. See more of the installation in the gallery.
The Library of Light is open to the public from 7 to 21 April as part of Milan Design Week. Read our handy guide on what to see at the sprawling design fair.
