New Talent: CTRLZAK

CTRLZAK is a hybrid studio that integrates different disciplines and cultures. The founders, Katia Meneghini and Thanos Zakopoulos, are both artists and designers in their own right. The Italian-Greek duo’s creations are inspired by their travels and experiences around the world and by their own rich cultural backgrounds. The studio creates artworks, objects and spaces but – above all – situations where people can come together in order to make what really matters: human relations.

What is for you Fuorisalone?

Fuorisalone is an intense week-long, full immersion experience that balances between commercial needs and creative experimentation. But what it probably really represents for us is an occasion of exchange where we can meet people from around the world, see and discuss their and our ideas and create new interesting situations.

How do you get ready for this event?

First we spend at least 3 nights, 3 days and 3 minutes of deep meditation on a remote location away from the ‘civilized’ world (a necessary practice after 3 months of unnecessary stress caused by worries regarding the realization of the projects about to be exhibited). Then we try our best to communicate what we are going to present during that week and 3 days before the beginning of the Milan Design Week we simply forget about everything and we get in the mood to enjoy the show!

What do you present at the next edition and where?

We will be present in various locations both inside and outside the fair. In Rho we will have new projects with diverse companies among which Mogg and Bosa to name two, while in Fuorisalone we will be mainly in the Brera Design District where we will be presenting our creations for Spazio Pontaccio, Wall & Deco and a mysterious new brand of which we also have the artistic direction. The rest you will have to discover for yourselves…

Your event or product that has been more successful at Fuorisalone?

In 2010 we presented in the Brera Design District a project called CeramiX composed of two parts: the CeramiX Art Collection & the CeramiX Design Collection.

Not to be missed out at Design Week 2016?

This last year we have been working secretly on a eclectic new brand that we believe can transform the way people perceive furniture. For the realization of this magical project, that goes beyond the limits of a simple furniture company, we worked together with video artists, an art curator, a book writer, a theatre director, visual artists and also a pair of unconventional product designers... The result of all this work will be in its largest part visible in the heart of the Brera Design District, in the angle of Largo Treves and Via Solferino. Simply look for the letters JCP.