Ornamentum by De Castelli is a research project that combines metal, design, and decoration, aligning notions of chemistry, mechanics, and art history. It is an authorial interpretation of the erosion technique that has led to unexpected outcomes in surface design, resulting in 31 unique artworks. By integrating industrial processes with high craftsmanship, De Castelli once again weaves together strategic vision and creativity: the result is a collection of copper and brass surfaces that come alive with the power of the project and demonstrate the versatility of the technique.

The research draws inspiration from the ancient indirect engraving art of etching and the works of 16th-century Swiss goldsmiths, and is applied through the company’s specific and advanced know-how.

The material is not mechanically engraved, but treated with metal biting: erosion transforms the metal into a work of art, revealing its inherent poetry.

There are 31 designers involved in creating a personal interpretation that restores to the flatness of the metal sheet the emotion of a tactile and perceptive experience: lettering, optical graphics, and organic storytelling become a constellation of eclectic and multifaceted signs, coming to life on copper and brass.

The Ornamentum artworks are by:

Adriano Design, Artefatto Design Studio, Alessandra Baldereschi, Baldessari e Baldessari, Sam Baron, Debonademeo, Delineo design, Nathalie Dewez, Draw Studio, Francesco Forcellini, Costance Guisset, GumDesign, Francesca Lanzavecchia, Adele Martelli, Martinelli Venezia, Alessandro Masturzo, Minelli Fossati, Emilio Nanni, Elisa Ossino, Luca Pevere, Marco Pisati, Alexander Purcell Rodriguez, Elena Salmistraro, Leonardo Sonnoli, Stormo Studio, Studio Nuvole, Tipstudio, Pio&Tito Toso, Zanellato/Bortotto, Matteo Zorzenoni, Cino Zucchi.