Not just 'Crafts': Between Objects, Words and Ideas

By examining the relationship between objects, words, and ideas, this thesis challenges the notion of craft as an analytical category of the social world, along with its supposed neutrality and objectivity. Through case studies such as the Michelangelo Foundation's Master’s Touch Evaluation Tool and the Cosmic Garden collateral event at the Venice Art Biennale 2024, this study investigates how craftsmanship is selectively deployed to construct narratives of authenticity and excellence within the luxury sector. Hence, it argues that craft is not a defined category of objects but rather a qualification process shaped by cultural, economic, and political forces, and critically analyses the role of institutions and brands in its revival while acknowledging the inherent power dynamics involved. Ultimately, this work advocates for a critical engagement with the craft category, revealing its influence on our understanding of objects and its potential to reinforce the construction of national identities and elite narratives.