Nothing is Everything. (COVER Magazine)
During Milan Design Week 2025, Galleria Alberto Levi will present the exhibition ‘II Nulla [Heech / Nothingness]’ with its long-time professional partner, pioneer Lila Valadan. Rachel Meek asks Levi about the concept and art of embracing the ineffable.
Design Week brings hype, buzz and crowds to Milan every April. To counter the frenetic energy of the streets and buzzing events, Alberto Levi Gallery Allery and Lila Valadan invite visitors to rise above the frantic heartbeat of the city to a place quieter than silence. In this realm, the senses are recalibrated, beauty is distilled into its purest form, and true minimalism emerges through ancient weaving techniques and tactile narratives. Their invitation sounds tempting, to say the least, and saying minimal, or even nothing, is at the heart of their collaborative exhibition Nulla [Heech/Nulla)” on view at Alberto Levi Gallery
During Milan Design Week 2025 Heech, the Persian word for “nothing,” refers to a deep philosophy of Persian Sufism that embraces the idea that creation comes from the nothingness that permeates the universe and resides in all of us, and that to surrender to this void is to dissolve the ego and discover wisdom, beauty, and unity. Valadan’s Aleph flatweave collection embodies this ethos-less infinity. Levi describes it as a bridge between the past and the future, carrying the belief that tradition is not about preserving ashes but about keeping the fire alive.
The show results from a decades-long professional relationship that dates back, as Levi recalls, to his first meeting with Lila Valadan’s late husband, the late Mohammad Naziri, at the inaugural Domotex fair. He says Lila and Mohammad stood out for their pioneering approach, curating a selection of visually stunning antique and vintage South Persian tribal rugs and flatweaves. Their keen eye for authenticity and artistic expression has always resonated with me, making our partnership a natural evolution over time. Since its inception, we have represented the Lila Valadan brand in Italy, building a long-standing relationship based on a shared appreciation for exceptional craftsmanship and artistry in rug making.
Like everyone who was fortunate enough to visit Valadan’s landmark “Night Time in a Palace” exhibition at Domotex Hannover in January 2024, Levi was astonished by its impact. It has deepened his admiration for her boundless creativity, expressed not only in her rugs but also in the way she presents her collections. Describing the presentation as “mind-blowing in both concept and execution,” he knew as soon as he saw it that such an extraordinary work deserved to be showcased to a wider audience, “particularly during Milan Design Week, where it could reach a diverse and design-savvy audience. Nothing will embody the
the authenticity woven into Valadari’s rugs, which Levi describes as being woven by the same artisans who have passed down these skills for generations, using the same materials and time-honored weaving techniques. As he explains, Thia translates into pieces that are not only beautiful to look at, but also deeply tactile and full of character. Each rug tells a story, there are no shortcuts, each rug is made from the finest wool, dyed using only the highest quality natural materials. The result is an unparalleled level of craftsmanship, evident in every fiber. These rugs exude a passion for quality and a deep respect for tradition, which is truly rare in today’s market. The use of natural dyes extracted from pomegranate peels, saffron and walnut shells also enhances the collection, as Levi says: For me, this approach is like opening a window to the past, it creates a tangible connection to the origins of weaving, maintaining an unbroken thread between history and the present. Whether clients specifically request it or not, they inevitably recognize and appreciate the depth and authenticity that natural dyes bring to a piece. I have no doubt that the collection will leave a lasting impression… Many viewers in Milan may not have fully realized how transformative and magical a carpet can be. I expect visitors to be inspired, enchanted and to gain a new appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship behind
these extraordinary pieces. As we approach the labyrinth of design that is Design Week, perhaps it is worth taking to heart the words of Lila Valadar adar When everyone is trying to be something, be nothing.
