Joseph Kosuth

Joseph Kosuth (b. 1945) redefines and questions the traditional concept of the olive oil label through the elemental qualities of the product. Aligned with his aesthetics and research into language, he highlights the status of raw materials and their essential nutrients in order to offer a visual definition of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Cornelia Lauf met Joseph Kosuth in 1986, and has collaborated with the artist on life and family, over an arc of nearly forty years. The first design commissions were a wedding ring, which the artist developed with gemstone dealer, Ara Arslanian. Then followed home and studio outfitting, ceramics design including earthenware produced in Tuscany and porcelain in Limoges, furniture design, stationery, exhibitions, multiples and editions. After the couple separated in 2002, they nonetheless continued to collaborate professionally, notably in an exhibition at Mazzoleni Gallery, in 2018, curated by Cornelia, and in other projects such as her Certificates of Authenticity catalogue, or exhibition about carpets by artists. The final version is now in place, and was inaugurated at Ristorante Cresci, in December 2020. Special thanks to Harry Ackland, Maria Vittoria di Sabatino, Maria Giovanna Virga. 

Photo credit: Wolfgang Wesener, 2013