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I Saloni Event Brings The Last Supper to Life

The installation will combine sound and live projections of images and light.

Nicholas Tamarin -- Interior Design, 3/6/2008 12:00:00 AM

Leonardo da Vinci's original iconic mural The Last Supper will be used for a multimedia event set to coincide with the 2008 edition of Salone Internazionale del Mobile (I Saloni). The contemporary furnishings tradeshow will run April 16-21 at the Milan Fairgounds in Rho, Italy.

British artist Peter Greenway will project images on the 15th century masterpiece, which shows the reactions of the 12 disciples, according to the Gospel of John, when Jesus says one will betray him. A sound installation will also set the scene. Located in the dining hall of the refectory of the Dominican Friary in Milan's Santa Maria delle Grazie Church, the painting will be shown to groups of 25 people at a time.

To make viewing possible to a wider audience, the installation will also be on view in the Sala delle Cariatidi in Milan’s Palzzo Reale. Here, a digitally-produced "clone" of The Last Supper will be used, featuring the exact surface texture of the 500-year-old painting.

This year’s I Saloni will encompass over two million square feet of display space. Offerings include the Salone Internazionale del Mobile design fair, the International Bathroom Furniture Exhibition, and the International Furnishing Accessories Exhibition.

Also returning is the 11-year-old Salone Satellite, a product showcase and networking forum for young designers. Almost 600 participants and 22 design schools will participate. Past talents include Matali Crasset and Patrick Jouin.