Giancarlo Signoretto and Agnese Tegon: Murano Art renews itself through the transmission of knowledge
Giancarlo Signoretto, an internationally renowned master glassmaker, and Agnese Tegon, a young artisan, are writing a new chapter in the history of Murano glass. Their collaboration combines decades of experience with the fresh perspective of a new generation, demonstrating how the transmission of knowledge is fundamental for the preservation and evolution of this centuries-old art.
A Master of international fame
Giancarlo Signoretto, with over 40 years of experience, is a prominent name in the landscape of artistic glass. His creations, made for important clients and prestigious institutions internationally, have expanded the boundaries of what was thought possible to achieve with Murano glass. In recounting his story, Giancarlo proudly shares some of his most significant works, such as a 2-meter-tall horse and a sculpture made in memory of Michael Jackson. A particular recognition of his mastery was being selected, among various world-renowned master glassmakers, for the creation of the crystal “Nymph” for the Monte Carlo Television Festival.
A new voice in the world of Glass
Agnese Tegon, born in 1994, represents a significant turning point in the world of Murano master glassmakers. A graduate of the Guggenheim Art Institute in Venice with a specialization in glassmaking, she won the Murano Prize in the Glass Fusion category in 2014.
Since then, Agnese has been working with glass for 10 years now, bringing with her the discipline and determination acquired in her past as an athlete. Her talent was also recognized in 2022, when one of her sculptures was exhibited at the Biennale Arte 2022. Despite these successes, Agnese maintains a humble attitude, joking that she doesn’t yet consider herself a master glassmaker. As she herself states: “…maybe I will be in twenty years, for now I am a good assistant”. Referring to her mentor, she says: “Giancarlo was good in a very short time at making me fall in love with this profession”.
The meeting between two generations
Agnese and Giancarlo’s paths crossed in March 2015 at the Abate Zanetti School. Here, Agnese expressed her desire to start working in the furnace, initiating a collaboration that has evolved over time. This partnership reached its apex in July 2020 with the opening of their furnace, Giancarlo Signoretto Master Glass SNC. As Signoretto recalls: “It was her idea to open this business during the pandemic”, highlighting Agnese’s courage and vision.
The preservation of a tradition through the transmission of knowledge
The partnership between Giancarlo Signoretto and Agnese Tegon goes beyond the simple collaboration between master and student. It represents a model of how the transmission of knowledge is vital for the future of Murano glassmaking art. “Agnese must forge her own path with her own hands, not with mine,” Signoretto states, underlining the importance of allowing new generations to find their own way in the art of glassmaking.
The commitment of masters like Giancarlo in sharing their experience with new generations is the key to the conservation of this tradition. This story offers a vision of hope for the future of Murano glass. It demonstrates that, thanks to the sharing of knowledge between generations, this art can not only survive, but constantly renew itself, continuing to shine in the international artistic landscape.
Website: giancarlosignorettomasterglass.it
