Olivia Toscani has an artistic family background. Her mother, Agneta Holst, is the creative spirit behind Megalopoli, the historic art and design studio which opened in Milan in 1978. It was one of the first studios to involve internationally famous Italian artists, such as Ettore Sottsass, Enrico Castellani, Pietro Consagra, Alik Cavaliere, Carla Accardi, Giò Pomodoro, Mauro Lovi, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Piero Dorazio and Mimmo Paladino in the production of objects and furniture for everyday use. Olivia began her career very young, by quietly following her mother through this creative, avant-garde experience, assisting her in the production of various objects and pieces of furniture designed by the artists she met, and who became family friends. These pieces were exhibited at the Salone del Mobile in Milan for over ten years and are now collector’s items.
Olivia Toscani’s Otto Luogo dell’Arte, with Mauro Lovi, an architect who’s always worked as an artist, intends to be a reference point and a metaphorical clearing where art lovers, collectors and curious travelers can gather; above all, a laboratory for the production of ideas, projects and objects in which the language of art meets everyday life and implements. Great interest is focused on all artistic techniques and the use of materials. A setting for collaborations between artists and the master craftsmen who keep ancient experiences alive, both curious to try new things.
It’s thanks to Megalopoli That Otto luogo dell’arte is born: to keep art alive in everyday life.