PHILIA organized a year-long ambitious research program and exhibition at the 16th-century Palazzo Corsini al Prato, in the heart of Florence.
Future Relics, a sporadic residency rooted in extensive research, brought together a group of internationally renowned designers who were invited to create works inspired by the rich, cultural heritage of Medici Florence. In collaboration with researchers and academics specialized in the Medici archives, the selected designers have delved into the vast archival holdings of Renaissance Florence to explore the concept of a ‘future relic’. The relics of Medici Florence, ranging from precious objects in the Treasury of San Lorenzo to exotic treasures from global connections, serve as touchstones for this exploration. Examining the local craftsmanship and diverse techniques of the time, the project challenged artists to draw inspiration from the past while creating contemporary works that resonate both locally and globally, symbolically and conceptually.
The five selected designers – Elsa Foulon, Kar, Laura Pasquino, Morghen Studio, and Pierre de Valck – questioned how we can envision ‘relics of the future’ in a secular contemporary world.

PHILIA built a nomadic residency program year after year, inviting international artists to work locally with local materials for local events. PHILIA aims to explore and research, in collaboration with various artists, how art and design production could be made closer to the exhibitions. These residences are thought of as laboratories experimenting with different practices to study the feasibility of a sculptural design conscious of contemporary environmental challenges.

PHILIA invited artists in CDMX to research, experiment, and sculpt new creations for its Mexico showroom.

Among them, Pilar Zeta and Andrés Monnier were the first to be welcomed to this exceptional residency.

As guest of honour at Design Week República Dominicana 2023, Galerie Philia was delighted to present Montesino, an exceptional exhibition of contemporary design from Latin America, taking place in Santo Domingo.

Andrés Monnier was invited by PHILIA and Marmotech as a resident in Santo Domingo to sculpt pieces for this special event.