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In a fascinating convergence of art and commerce, creative studio AMO and Dutch stone purveyor SolidNature have reimagined commonplace supermarket goods as exquisite sculptures crafted from natural stone. What began as a thought-provoking exhibition in Milan has now evolved into a limited-edition collection, allowing enthusiasts to acquire these unique pieces that blur the lines between everyday utility and artistic expression. The project challenges conventional perceptions of consumerism, elevating disposable items to timeless artifacts through the enduring beauty of stone.
Stone Supermarket: A Milanese Dream Realized
In a groundbreaking initiative, the creative studio AMO, in collaboration with Dutch stone supplier SolidNature, has unveiled a collection of meticulously crafted stone groceries. This innovative concept stems from their acclaimed 'Il Sonno Supermarket' exhibition, which captivated audiences during Milan Design Week. Responding to overwhelming public demand, SolidNature has now made a curated selection of these original pieces, alongside newly produced editions, available for purchase.
The genesis of 'Il Sonno Supermarket' was a vision by Samir Bantal, director of OMA's think tank AMO. He conceived a convenience store entirely constructed from various natural stones, presenting a surreal landscape where marble takeaway cups and sandwiches fashioned from layered stone triangles replaced their perishable counterparts. SolidNature CEO David Mahyari articulated the exhibition's intent, stating, "With this installation, we invite you to see the everyday differently, to imagine environments shaped by value, intention, and awareness. At Il Sonno, this vision comes to life through material and experience, reflecting the diversity of nature and the power of choice."
The exhibition space itself was an immersive experience, encased in polycarbonate panels and illuminated by rows of fluorescent lights, all set to the ambient sounds of background musak. This carefully curated atmosphere aimed to replicate the familiar, yet subtly disorienting, environment of a supermarket. The Italian title 'Il Sonno,' meaning 'sleep,' further enhanced this dreamlike quality, with mirrored walls creating an illusion of boundless, fluid time.
Every item within the display, from the shelving units to the 'groceries' themselves, was meticulously carved from natural stone – including marble, onyx, quartzite, granite, and travertine. As Bantal observed, "Nobody thinks while shopping; it's a reflex. At Il Sonno Supermarket, this reflex is frozen in stone." He added, "Commodities have been transformed into desirable objects, stripped of function. The dream lies in the interval between recognizing an object and realizing that it has solidified. A supermarket with a fleeting stock, forever frozen in time."
Due to the inherent qualities of natural stone, each of the twelve limited-edition items available exhibits unique variations in pattern, tone, and translucency, making every piece a one-of-a-kind artwork. This project continues SolidNature's history of artistic collaborations, following their partnership with Sabine Marcelis on a water fountain for Amsterdam's Vondelpark and a monumental onyx portal and stone bathroom at Milan Design Week 2022, also designed by OMA.
The 'Il Sonno Supermarket' project prompts us to reconsider our relationship with consumer goods and the materials that define our world. By transforming ephemeral commodities into enduring stone artifacts, AMO and SolidNature invite a profound reflection on value, permanence, and the artistry embedded within the mundane. It’s a compelling reminder that beauty and intention can elevate even the most ordinary aspects of our daily lives.