Migrating and keeping up with what’s happening in a place where you’ve just arrived is not that easy. I’ve been working in communication and design for a few years now, and I have a good grasp of what’s going on in Buenos Aires and Argentina. But in Italy and Sicily, I’m still in the process of figuring things out. I understand the north-south divide and the different perspectives on the country, so with that in mind, I set out to see if the south also exists.
Creativity is a Lie – Volume 1, organized by ABADIR and held at Zō Centro Culture Contemporanee, promised to offer a snapshot of various design and visual communication projects based in the region. As soon as I arrived, I was surprised by the number of attendees and how creativity took on so many different forms across the projects being presented.
The premise of the event was to challenge the idea that creativity is an exclusive gift bestowed upon a select few. Instead, it aimed to showcase creativity in action, in all its facets. It became clear that it’s not magic, nor a divine gift—it takes effort, time, method, and sometimes even luck.
Some projects that caught my attention (in no particular order):
- The Ragusaner: A magazine inspired by The New Yorker that covers topics related to the province of Ragusa. The magazine “doesn’t exist,” but it very much does. Instagram
- Orange Fiber: They produce sustainable fabrics for major brands using waste from the citrus industry. Could anything be more Sicilian than that? Instagram
- Giuseppe Arezzi Design Studio: Presented a redesign of classic objects, reflecting on sustainability and the use of local materials. He redesigned the nonna’s chair… but not quite. Instagram
- Yomi: A web3 innovation lab born in Sicily and scaling worldwide, powered by volcanic energy. They also founded the first web3 community in Sicily, ethnea.
Instagram Yomi | Instagram ethnea - Katania Studio: Noise and sharp messages in urban contexts. A Sicilian creative agency with creativity coming from all directions. They shared how they manage so much creativity every day. Instagram
- The Wave Studio: The evolution of digital design and its impact on user experience. A wave of new ideas. Instagram
- Sabrina Wegerer (Graphic Designer): Having migrated through some 14 countries, she shared how she emotionally connected with Sicily and how her material/digital design is shaped by her experiences. Instagram
- Studio Selvatico: Presented their research in design with an animal-centered approach—very stylish. Instagram
- Margherita Ratti, from Garage Fontana: Walked us through curatorial projects in emerging spaces. Instagram
- Emotional Sicily: Presented L’ultimo mastro d’ascia, an exploration of traditional craftsmanship and its value in contemporary culture.
Instagram Emotional Sicily | Instagram Rodolico Project
Final Reflections
A common thread in the presentations was how these initiatives are not just based in Sicily but deeply connected to their surroundings, their people, their materials, and their history. They generate projects that not only have a local impact but also a global reach.
I left the event feeling truly inspired. I’m starting to understand that Sicily is not just a place rich in history and traditions but also a space where design and innovation thrive. The positive energy and collaboration among the presenters made it clear that these spaces are essential not just for showcasing projects but also for strengthening the design community in the region.
Events like this not only enrich the design industry but also reinforce Sicily’s identity and potential in this field. I left eager to keep exploring everything that’s happening here.
And almost as a sign of connection, of travel, of unity… on my way back, I saw a Che Guevara.
