Textures of Home

Milan, September 24, 1999 - Francis Ford Coppola, the undisputed master of American cinema, is the director of
illycaffè's latest television commercial, as well as the designer of the illy collection entitled "Texture of Home" which
is being presented to the public today, during Milan's fashion week.

After directing the new illycaffè advertising campaign dedicated to Italy, to the culture of the Italian coffee bar and
the espresso served there, and to Italian cinema and its great masters, Francis Ford Coppola then unleashed his
artistic talents on the espresso cups of the latest illy collection - a collection which will undoubtedly appeal to
cinema and art lovers, as well as collectors, and all others who have come to appreciate the world of illycaffè.

The collection reflects the profound rapport that exists between this famous film director and the earth, with its
variety of perfumes and flavors, that he seeks to express on these "ceramic canvases". Coppola has chosen to tell
a story of long-ago, of his family's Italian roots, and he tells it in his own style, as a creative game in which objects
continually come together and then separate in a series of unexpected and ever-changing images. In this way, he
transforms the elements of daily life into objects of artistic interest.

Coppola's illy collection opens with an original and indirect tribute to Italy, an Italian "landscape" seen through the
eyes of the master: the sunlit pebbles of a pathway leading to an olive branch, one of the enduring symbols of
Italy and its finest agricultural and gastronomic traditions. Then, moving along through this new collection, there are
coffee beans that blend into green laurel leaves; a grassy meadow where olive leaves once again make their
appearance; whole peppercorns and the bright color of red pepper, freshly ground and full of flavor; the intense
green of fresh peas and once again, coffee, the true mark of the common thread linking Coppola and illycaffè.
Finally, there is a last vivid reminder of the flavors of Italy, with the intense color of a vibrant red chili pepper placed
against the background of a lush green field. These are references that are simple and essential, that will both
surprise and delight illy collection fans, who will also be pleased to find the espresso cups designed by Coppola at
their favorite coffee bars. With this collection, Coppola leads us on an idealized journey through the colors of both
the Italian soil and the country's cuisine, by showing us the extraordinary things we encounter in everyday life.

Modus Operandi

by Joseph Kosuth

Modus Operandi is the title of a series of elegant and essential cups
designed by Joseph Kosuth. The cups are embraced by the inscription
Modus Operandi, modelled in contrast by a background of black,
white and grey tones, lacking of any color. The cups are brighten up by
the light hitting the silver writing. The slight variation of the inscription
and of the background, accompanied by the continual repetition of the
title, makes this beautiful collection seem to have no end nor a
beginning.

Minimalia - set of 7, only 333 sets worldwide

Minimalia - set of 6

by Mimmo Paladino

This limited edition was presented at the "Minimalia" exhibition, at
the PS 1 Museum in Queens, New York and sponsored by illy.
PS 1 was founded in 1971 by Alanna Heiss as The Institute of
Art and Urban Resources, Inc., a non-profit organization
dedicated to the transformation of abandoned and underutilized
buildings in New York City into exhibition, performance, and
studio spaces for artists.

In conjunction with the sponsorship of the exhibit, illy caffe
launched this exclusive collection featuring specifically created
artworks by the renowned Italian artist Mimmo Paladino.
Signed and numbered on the bottom of each cup by the artist.

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The pictures and description featured on this site are from the press releases of the manufacturer or that of the artist, and are creditted to them. There is no affiliation between this site and any division of Illy SPA. This site serves simply as a forum of exchange between collectors of Illy cups.