Venecupressus
Gemma Manfredini
The Artwork: Venecupressus stems from the need to represent the deep bond between wine and the land—inseparable elements of Tuscan culture. Indeed, the international prestige of Chianti derives not only from the quality of its wine production, but also from the landscape, historical, and environmental characteristics that make this territory unique. The artwork identifies the cypress tree—the symbolic tree of the Tuscan landscape—as a metaphor for this reciprocal relationship. Evergreen, steadfast, and deeply rooted, the cypress accompanies and defines the territory without altering its balance, enriching it with its very presence. In the same way, the culture of Chianti Classico wine is built upon a harmonious dialogue with the environment, where tradition, care for the landscape, and sustainability contribute to preserving the identity and vitality of the land. Venecupressus thus celebrates a virtuous balance between nature, culture, and production, evoking a model of coexistence founded on mutual respect and appreciation.
Biography: Gemma Manfredini was born in Florence and grew up in Bagno a Ripoli, at the gateway to the Chianti region. After training at the Liceo Artistico Alberti-Dante, she continued her studies in the Sculpture program at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, cultivating a strong interest in manual arts and material experimentation from a young age. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with local associations and public entities, creating works destined for cultural and social initiatives. Among these is the sculpture Istinto (2020), donated to the “La Stanza Accanto” association and now preserved at the Abbey of San Miniato al Monte. Her artistic research develops through the exploration of different materials and languages, both traditional and contemporary, with the aim of investigating the reality that surrounds us and the mechanisms of contemporary society.
