Gabriele Gelatti

Gabriele Gelatti, born in 1973, lives and works in Genoa, where he carries on the trade and tradition of risseau, the typical Ligurian cobblestone mosaic which can be found in churchyards or inside the gardens of aristocratic palaces and villas.

These artefacts are entirely handmade with carefully sourced and 100% natural materials: pebbles, lime and selected sands make this Master’s artworks able to endure the challenge of time, just like ancient mosaics (with the first ones dating back to the ancient Mesopotamia, in the Assyrian area), applying and renewing the same traditional techniques and formulas. After graduating in Modern Literature, Gabriele Gelatti decided to undertake a new journey based on manual skills and creativity, and he went on to train under Armando Porta, one of the leading craftsmen specializing in 16th century risseau. Soon enough, his talent began to shine and he started collaborating with private and public institutions, creating scenographic and monumental artworks: he took part in Charmont-Sur-Loire’s 10th Festival des Jardins in 2001, and Genoa’s Euroflora in 2006, and his creations can be found in some murals around Genoa, at Cernobbio’s “Orticolario” and countless private villas in Italy and abroad.

Aware of the importance of passing down the trade, he strives to create opportunities to share the great heritage of the art of cobblestone mosaic, liaising with Italian and international scholars and research institutions, also hoping to further safeguard one of humanity’s most ancient arts. Over the years he held many conferences, public meetings and workshops for children and adults, in a constant effort to keep this ancient tradition alive but also up-to-date with the challenges of contemporary times.

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