Who we are

Deisa Centazzo – Personal Statement

I have a degree in sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts of Verona but what has always interested me in art is its more primitive function in human expression. I am especially drawn to the part that art can play in helping change and healing processes. I see the use of colours and reconnecting with nature through the creation of plant dyes as central aspects.

In 2007 I started creating illustrations for wind turbines and solar panels, one of them supported by the United Nations, and began searching for projects and ideas related to nature and eco-sustainability.

I believe that when we care about nature we are also caring about people.

One of my illustrations for a little chair for children made from recycled material is located at the V & A Museum in London and another of my illustrations is used by the WWF (World Wildlife Foundation). 

After participating at the Venice Biennale in 2011 I decided to focus my attention entirely on health and reconnection to nature. In 2012 I facilitated a workshop at Meyer Paediatric Hospital in Florence focusing on natural colours and renewable energy. My work continued in England, and near Rome in Italy where I currently live, with the charitable project Magic Dye House that works in the gardens of hospitals planting dye flowers and bringing art, nature and its colours together to enrich the lives of hospitalised patients. I also create a social enterprise where I transform my paintings made with natural colours in customisable dresses and accessories to bring colours and wellbeing in daily lifes.

Paolo Bombelli - Personal Statement 

Paolo holds an MSc in plant biology from the University of Milano‐Statale (Italy) and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cambridge (UK). The majority of his work has focused on studying and developing bio-electrochemical systems working in conjunction with groups in several countries (e.g., UK, South Africa, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Finland, Norway and India). Public dissemination and educational activities have formed an important element of his work. Paolo has engaged with large audiences at science festivals and public fairs, including the Royal Society 350 years of Science Exhibition (London, 2010), London Design Festival (2011), Salone Satellite (Milan, Italy, 2012), ALIVE EnVie (Paris, France, 2013), Living Matter (Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 2014), Pint of Science (London, 2015), the Latitude Festival (Norfolk, 2016), World Oceans Day (London, 2017), Biomakers Meetup (Norwich, 2018), Centre Pompidou (Paris, France 2019), FabLab Reykiavik (Reykjavik, Iceland, 2019) and the Davos Codes at the World Economic Forum (Davos, Switzerland, 2020). Paolo has also run educational workshops in several schools (e.g., Eton College, Hills Road Sixth in the UK; Escola Pia in Terrassa, Spain; Fureso Kommune School in Limbly, Denmark; Istituto Comprensivo della Margherita in Vizzolo, Italy).