The Last Supper,
From a Different Perspective

Who would have imagined that just one year after launching ROOTS Exhibition, we wouldn’t just return to Milano, but do so as a core partner of Masterly – The Dutch in Milano, growing three times bigger than last year?

From day one, our presence here has been about more than just an exhibition—it’s about setting a new standard for sustainability in design. And what a journey it has been. From starting at Blue City Rotterdam with the 100% Silphium Perfoliatum (Silphy) sheet material my studio developed, to the very first ROOTS Exhibition in 2024 here at Masterly. From collaborating with Piet Hein Eek for our From Dutch Soil presentation at Dutch Design Week, to the many new developments, collaborations, artworks and designs we proudly present here today.

A huge shoutout to everyone who made this possible! And a special thank you to Nicole Uniquole—not only for welcoming us into Masterly, in the stunning basement of Palazzo Giureconsulti, but also for her professional support this year. This has made this journey all the more meaningful.

This year, our presentation ‘The Last Supper, From a Different Perspective’ again brings together an extraordinary group of Dutch artists, designers, and companies who are collectively shaping the future of art and design. Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s original fresco, we highlight the urgent necessity of ecological responsibility. Now, more than ever, we must challenge ourselves to see things from different perspectives and explore new ways to design, build, create, and interact with materials. From crops to waste streams, natural and recycled materials, we encourage reflection and dialogue, urging visitors to consider how we can cultivate a truly sustainable future.

Through this unique installation, we make a collective positive gesture—an eco-activist handprint—exploring material cycles, craftsmanship, innovation, true sustainability, and the deep connection between humans and nature. May it inspire you to rethink design choices and carefully consider the materials of your next project or purchase. And may we all take better care of our precious soil—where all endings hold new beginnings…

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Ci vediamo l'anno prossimo, ciao!

Simone van Es 🌱♻️