Giannini's Aerial Photography Transformed into Seletti Rug Collection
Seletti, in collaboration with photographer Giacomo Giannini and gallerist Paola Sosio, has launched an innovative rug collection that reimagines three of Giannini's aerial photographs. These pieces, drawn from his extensive research across Italy between 1985 and 1992, transcend their original medium to become interactive surfaces for the home. The collection, aptly named "Walking into an image," delves into themes of human interaction with space, memory, and environmental transformation, presenting a unique dialogue between fine art and functional design.
The collection features three distinct works that offer profound visual narratives. "Holiday at the Seaside #18" captures the vibrant chaos of an Italian beach, transforming the summer crowds into an abstract pattern of colors and forms. "Sfasciacarrozze" elevates the mechanical disarray of a car scrapyard into a mesmerizing chromatic composition, while "Basket" evokes a melancholic beauty from an abandoned sports court, highlighting the graphic interplay of lines and aged textures in the absence of human activity. These rugs encourage a fresh perspective on everyday scenes, inviting viewers to experience these artistic expressions as tangible elements within their living spaces.
The Fusion of Art and Home Decor: Giannini's Vision
Italian photographer Giacomo Giannini's distinctive aerial perspectives, characterized by their chromatic intensity and geometric precision, are now at the forefront of Seletti's latest rug collection. This collaboration introduces a unique approach to interior design, where the landscape is not merely a visual element but an immersive environment. Giannini's work, which spans a crucial period of his artistic exploration in Italy from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s, offers a profound reflection on how human activity imprints itself upon and reshapes the physical world. The transition of these compelling photographic narratives from a two-dimensional image to a three-dimensional, tactile object for the home marks a significant innovation in the realm of functional art.
The chosen photographs, specifically "Holiday at the Seaside #18," "Sfasciacarrozze," and "Basket," epitomize Giannini's keen eye for transforming ordinary scenes into extraordinary visual experiences. "Holiday at the Seaside #18" abstracts the bustling Italian coastline into a grid-like mosaic of vivid hues and shapes, evoking the energy of collective leisure. "Sfasciacarrozze" meticulously reconfigures the chaotic landscape of a vehicle junkyard into a sophisticated tapestry of color and form, highlighting beauty in industrial decay. Lastly, "Basket" captures the poignant emptiness of a time-worn sports facility, where the graphic lines and faded materials speak volumes about past human engagement. Each rug, measuring 280cm x 200cm, is part of a limited edition of 30 pieces, emphasizing their exclusivity and artistic value. This collection made its debut at Turin's 'The Phair' photography exhibition in May 2026, where it was lauded for its innovative blend of art, design, and materiality.
Transforming Perception: Immersive Landscapes for the Floor
The new rug series, aptly named 'Walking into an image', serves as a powerful medium for reflecting on the ephemeral traces of human existence and our inherent ability to mold, adapt, and redefine our surroundings. This collection by Seletti, featuring the aerial photography of Giacomo Giannini, prompts a contemplation of memory, personal identity, and the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural environment. By translating real-world spaces into highly structured, abstract compositions, Giannini's work, and consequently these rugs, transcend mere representation. They become painterly surfaces where natural patterns, colors, and textures are meticulously recomposed, inviting a deeper, more engaged interaction than traditional art forms.
This innovative collection fundamentally redefines the role of photography and design within domestic settings. When Giannini's photographs are woven into rugs, they shed their static nature, becoming dynamic, lived-in elements that encourage physical and sensory engagement. No longer confined to observation, these art pieces invite individuals to literally walk upon and interact with the landscapes they depict, bridging the gap between artistic expression and daily life. This fusion of art and functionality establishes a vibrant dialogue among artistic intention, practical design, and the tangible qualities of materials. The limited-edition nature of these rugs underscores their exclusivity, positioning them as unique pieces that not only enhance interior aesthetics but also stimulate intellectual and emotional connections with the art itself, making each step an exploration of Giannini's profound visual narratives.