The wallpapers of Texturae told by Elena Salmistraro

Always halfway between art and product design, the Milanese designer Elena Salmistraro, born in 1983, presents for the Design Week a project wallpaper for children realized for Texturae brand within the new "Yarn Collection".

Playful, ironic, colorful, this set of wall coverings born along with the young company Texturae with the shared goal of freeing art from museums and galleries, allowing it to invade the newspaper, sublimate the traditional wallpaper (art director: Serena Confalonieri). On the occasion of the Fuorisalone, in the setting of the Statute Gallery 13, it will be possible discovering the universe of Texturae canvases during "Woven and Printed Surfaces" event.

A wallpaper collection dedicated to children. How did the idea come?
A few months ago I received an invitation from Texturae, new company that produces wallpaper, to take part in their new collection. What excited me immediately was having the opportunity to use my illustrations and my art style to make these wallpapers unique. The subjects _it just happened_have emerged spontaneously, without any forcing: frankly I had never thought of doing children.

Beside the products design, you make paintings and murals. Is there a thread that runs through your work?
Of course: the design is for me the first form of communication, the one that comes most natural. Most likely through the paintings or drawings I try to tell a more intimate part of myself and I get rid of my fears, giving life to dreams and fantasies. Drawing objects, however, it is for me a way to release my more rational and mature side. If had to draw a parallel I would say that the paintings are comparable to a conversation between friends, while the design is a serious speech addressed to a large audience: they are simply two sides of the same person.

Your collaboration with Bosa Ceramiche goes on; what are you presenting at this year's Salone? And how did this partnership begin?
With Bosa there is now a very good relationship, human as well as professional: there is a nice harmony and mutual respect, which helps a lot the creative process. I can only say that new projects are coming soon, but for now everything is still strictly top secret. As for this Salone del Mobile we will be at Hall 16 E-32, showing the new carillon "I Molossi", the collection "Non ti scordar di me" and we will re-present my containers Khepri and Loricato, already presented last year to the Animalità show.

You have always been living in Milan: what are you doing during the Design Week?
It is the busiest time of the year! The city is restless, a strange energy involves everyone: sector operators and not. There is something addictive in the air and the blossoming of spring plays its part. The events, as usual, are many and very interesting: just find a way to stay organized and get to see the best ones.

What are the areas or routes that you love the most during the Salone?
I do not have favorite street or area, indeed, if there is just one thing that fascinates me in recent years is the increasing diversity among the various areas of the city. Brera with its spaces and galleries hosting projects that make art and design communicate. Ventura Lambrate has an international character, fresh and so experimental. Tortona area is the most institutionalized. I wish each district began to speak their own language, showing what they possess, hide and preserve: it would also be a terrific way to discover Milan, which has so much to offer.

You are going to participate in the "W-Women in Italian Design" exhibition at the Milan Triennale. What role do you have in the exhibition, and how do feel to be part of a World's Fair?
I'm so onored to be part of this world exposition. In my own little, I will contribute exposing MRND lamps designed for Seletti, a bottle of Poets collection created by Maestro Massimo Lunardon, a ceramic figurine hand painted in memory of Alessandro Guerriero and a cover pot made of origami representing my beginnings in 2009.

www.elenasalmistraro.com

Opening photo: THE POP SOUL OF COLORFUL AUSTRALIAN BIRDS IN COCKATOO COLLECTION CREATED BY USING SOFT BUT CONTRASTING COLORS IN A TRIBUTE TO THE ART OF ANDY WARHOL