Italian artist Giulio Caponi presents a body of work that merges art, design, and craftsmanship through a process rooted in memory and personal narrative. A former journalist and self-taught practitioner, Caponi's work combines writing, drawing, and embroidery to create unique rugs and tapestries.
© Paolo Biava
Central to his practice is a slow, process-driven approach, developed within his workshop where each piece evolves from initial intuition to final material expression. Sketches and ideas are translated into textiles using hand embroidery techniques such as stem stitch and cross stitch, with thread functioning as both visual mark and narrative device.
Caponi's works are characterised by their singularity, with each piece conceived as an unrepeatable object. Drawing on personal memories, cultural references, and fragments of everyday life, his compositions incorporate elements such as postcards, records, and imagined correspondences. These references form a layered visual language where past and present intersect.
© Paolo Biava
Giulio Caponi's creative process.
The workshop plays a central role in this process, acting as a space where conceptual ideas are realised through manual skill. Craftsmanship is positioned not only as a technique but as an integral part of the work's meaning, with the time and gesture of making contributing to its final identity.
Among the recent works is Cartolina "A Design e Arte", part of the Cartoline series. The piece reflects on the historical and emotional role of postcards as a means of communication, translating this theme into a textile format. Made from felt using natural Alpine wool and embroidered through stem stitch, the work combines narrative content with material exploration.
Caponi's practice highlights a continued interest in the intersection of artistic expression and decorative function. His works operate simultaneously as visual narratives and interior objects, contributing to broader discussions on the role of craftsmanship and individuality within contemporary design.
More information:
Giulio Caponi
www.giuliocaponi.com
