CaCO3 Studio

CaCO3 is an artistic collective founded in 2006 by Âniko Ferreira da Silva, Giuseppe Donnaloia, and Pavlos Mavromatidis, three artists with diverse backgrounds who met during their training at the "School for Mosaic Restoration" in Ravenna. The group's name, derived from the chemical formula of calcium carbonate, emphasizes their connection to stone, a central element in their artistic research.

The mosaic tradition, deeply rooted in the Ravenna region, serves as the starting point for CaCO3's creations. The collective reinterprets classical techniques, such as opus vermiculatum and late antique wall mosaics, blending them with a contemporary approach. Opus vermiculatum, known for its tiny, intricate tesserae, and Ravenna mosaics, with inclined tesserae to enhance light interaction, are their primary inspirations.

The group's works are crafted using traditional tools such as martellina, tagliolo, and pliers, and feature high-quality materials like cathedral glass, glass paste with metallic leaf, and workable stone. Particularly noteworthy are the glass pastes with 24-karat gold leaf, produced in Venetian furnaces using ancient techniques.

CaCO3's philosophy is based on formal and structural reflection on mosaic techniques, where each piece serves as an exercise in refinement. Series such as "Movements," "Breaths," and "Cathedrals" represent an ongoing exploration of the relationship between light, matter, and time. Through these creations, the group celebrates craftsmanship and the slow artistic process, contributing to the preservation and innovation of a unique cultural heritage.