The Irresistible Charm of the Ephemeral - the Precious Creatures of Caterina Crepax, an Artist Born into Art

Fragile arabesques, tangles and precious inlay work, incisions and decorations that allow the light to penetrate with high-impact scenographic effects - these are the sculptures of Caterina Crepax, daughter of Guido, the famed cartoonist who invented Valentina. Beyond talent, Caterina shares the use of paper with her father - her works, ephemeral yet atmospherically charged, are born of subtle layers of tissue paper, rare oriental paper, but also materials from daily life, such as office and bakery paper. In an ironic game of metamorphosis, she transforms these materials into lavish cloths that make up remarkably luxurious dresses. An interior designer, Caterina was born in Milan in 1964 and grew up in an environment full of fantasy. Working as an artist is merely the natural outlet of her creativity - she creates sculptures, clothes for runway shows and theatrical performances, sets for exhibitions and events, collaborating with museums, galleries, huge design labels and fashion houses like Fendi and Roberto Cavalli. Her magical creatures are inspired by flowers and leaves, birds, animals and architectural flourishes, like “a chrysalis devoid of a body of which the memory still lingers”.