Unveiling the renaissance of Sicilian artistry
In the tumultuous realm of global issues, Tiziana Serretta stands out as a vibrant, luminous soul. She is a talented artist but also a beacon of peace, driving transformation by also collaborating with the United Nations
Growing up in Palermo with a distinguished family of jurists, Tiziana was exposed to the city's historical, artistic, and architectural heritage from a young age. Tiziana's journey has fostered a remarkable sense of taste and aesthetics, highlighting her cosmopolitan nature and extensive knowledge of art and culture. Initially, she dedicated eight years to teaching procedural law at the University of Trapani. However, she eventually chose to follow her passion for vintage collectibles—a challenging but ultimately rewarding decision. Since making this change, she has founded her first gallery in Palermo and worked as a consultant on numerous international fashion and art media projects.
As Tiziana says: “My passion for art and collecting started in early youth. I began collecting vintage jewellery from a young age, finding inspiration in the beauty and uniqueness of these pieces. Over time, this passion evolved into a true mission: to promote beauty and art worldwide”. She is globally well-known as the sole owner of a unique collection of precious jewellery created by the famous Sicilian artist Salvatore Fiume for an Ethiopian princess, his companion for over 30 years.
In addition to her career as a collector, she also has considerable experience as a writer. Between 1992 and 2000, she explored themes related to art and creativity through her writing, publishing three books that delve into various aspects of the brilliance of jewellery, symbolism, and the intersection between fashion and jewellery. According to Tiziana: “The only way to truly understand who you really are and unlock your full potential is to face as many challenges as possible.” With this in mind, she has pursued an international career in the world of jewellery, starting with her jewellery gallery in London. She has created artworks that reflect the fusion of cultures she experienced in places like Palermo, Lugano, New York, and Panama.
She is also the visionary behind the futuristic Cave House in Milan. This innovative project showcases her talent for blending traditional architecture with contemporary design. The Cave House, carved directly into the rock and made of sustainable materials and green practices, harmonizes with its natural surroundings while offering a functional and visually stunning living space. Spirituality in the Material is a significant installation curated by Tiziana Serretta. It’s a modern-day Stonehenge featuring 24 large, mobile monoliths made from eco-friendly materials. Each monolith has been creatively enhanced by Sicilian and international contemporary artists with messages of religious tolerance and respect for animals and nature. Together, they create a captivating landscape that encourages us to contemplate our connection to the universe and the sacredness within it.
This ambitious installation garnered international attention and in 2019 was presented at the United Nations headquarters in New York during the discussions for Agenda 2030. Tiziana Serretta was invited to participate in the pioneering inclusion of art in promoting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations, raising awareness about concepts like sustainability and social inclusion through the language of art and fashion.
During the lockdown, she developed the extraordinary and creative project Il Gusto dell’Arte (The Taste of Art), featuring artistic vegan biscuits produced with organic flour of ancient Sicilian grains. The project originated when Tiziana began crafting symbols evoking the mythological, esoteric, and magical elements of Sicily. "Art is a message; one can experience beauty through food," she explains. One of these special biscuits, crafted as a tribute to the medieval Manfredonic Castle, has even been recognized as an intangible heritage of Sicily by the Department of Culture of the Municipality of Mussomeli.
As President of the group “Confapi Donne Sicilia” and National Delegate for Culture, Tiziana has initiated other innovative and successful projects to celebrate the importance of Sicilian identity and valorize its rich local artistic heritage. One of these projects, Un Gioiello di Sicilia (A Jewel of Sicily), involved esteemed local artisans like Platimiro Fiorenza, renowned for his skill in coral craftsmanship. The extraordinary works of artist Tiziana Serretta transcend artistic conventions and serve as a bridge between the past and present. Through her skilful integration of tradition and innovation, Tiziana has crafted pieces that tell millennia-old stories far beyond the confines of Sicily, inspiring and captivating an international audience, while looking towards the future.
Cover: Serretta's The Secret Garden into a House installation
Images provided by Tiziana Serretta
