Gold is to achemists the Sun of matter, an analogy to the ultimate perfection they seek by transforming base materials (metals) to a state of supreme purity. The Great Work (Magnus Opus) is at the same time a material and a spiritual realization, the process with which one strives to attain the Philosopher’s Stone, the one thing capable of absolute transmutation that holds the secret of life. Everything starts from the Materia Prima which through an elaborate and meticulous process, involving planetary alignments, sublimation, consecutive distillations and laborious rituals, transforms in the furnace of the Philosophers Athanor to what will eventually become the Philosopher’s Stone.
The Golden Temple of Alchemy is the dedicated installation conceived by CTRLZAK studio, for the ''Alchemysts'' exhibition curated by Valentina Guidi Ottobri, at Cambi Casa d'Aste. The setup design symbolically evokes the ultimate temple of Alchemy featuring at is centre the Furnace Athanor, filtered by the three principles (Sulphur, Salt & Mercury) represented at the window-fronts of the space. In the last frame we find the duality of Sun & Moon representing the Infinite Eternal One, the Great Cycle of the Universe as well the Great Work. At the far end wall of the space we finally see the symbol of the Philosopher’s Stone, with the all seeing eye in its centre looking back at us reminding us we are part of the whole, watching and being watched.
The exhibition ''Alchemysts'' was conceived in the context of the Fine Design auction held on the 20th of June by Cambi Casa d' Aste, including for the first time together historical and contemporary designers who, like the alchemists, have used their ingenuity to create unique pieces through the edifying fire of creativity.
Project's concept based on Alchemy's philosophy and characteristics
General view of the exhibition
Detail of the far end wall of the space, with the symbol of Philosopher's Stone on the Nebualae wallpaper designed for Wall&Deco'
An evocation of the last temple of alchemy feauturing at its centre the Furnace Athanor, with a special project by the artist Flaminia Veronesi
Photos by Stefano Giordanelli and Francesco Bolis
Exterior view of the space with the alchemical symbols represented at the window-fronts
