With ‘The Light in the Darkness’ installation
Spanish ceramic innovation took centre stage at Milan’s Fuorisalone 2025 with a moving installation titled ‘The Light in the Darkness’. Designed by the Valencian creative studio VirutaLab, the installation was showcased from April 7 to 11 at the Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale), one of the city’s iconic venues for Milan Design Week’s parallel events.
Tile of Spain presented this piece as part of the broader Interni magazine exhibition, attracting thousands of visitors during one of the busiest weeks on the global design calendar.
The installation honoured the volunteers who supported communities in Valencia following the catastrophic floods on October 29, 2024. Through a thoughtful interplay of materials and light, it aimed to symbolise hope rising from devastation.
The structure at Fuorisalone 2025 featured 18 sculptural totems built from stacked volumes, each clad in ceramic tiles from Tile of Spain member brands. Participating companies included Apavisa, Arcana, Azteca, Cevica, Colorker, Cristacer, Decocer, Dune, El Barco, Gayafores, Natucer, Pamesa, ITT, Tau, Undefasa, Venux, Vives, and Wow. These totems, described as human-sized candelabras, formed a rectangular installation measuring 10 by 1.9 metres, visible from all sides.
The ceramics’ colour palette—rich in natural, earthy tones—reflected the mud and clay that had engulfed the affected villages. The totems’ interplay of light and shadow echoed the themes of loss and renewal, with mirrored surfaces suggesting water and adding a serene luminosity to the space.
At the heart of the installation stood a poignant photograph by Alfonso Calza titled Dana Valencia ONG Olvidados, further anchoring the work in real-life stories of resilience.
Beyond its artistic and emotional resonance, the installation highlighted Spanish ceramic products’ versatility and expressive potential. The display was part of a broader promotional campaign in Italy, jointly funded by ICEX Spain Trade and Investment and Ascer, and managed by the Spanish Economic and Commercial Office in Milan.
To complement the event, a mobile-first digital catalogue was launched at tileofspain.com. The catalogue provides detailed information on the brands and tiles featured in the installation, reinforcing Tile of Spain’s presence in the international design scene.
Hero image: The installation honoured the volunteers who supported communities in Valencia following the catastrophic floods on October 29, 2024. Credit: VirutaLab
