Forgio
Forgio
Bridging the Digital and Physical Worlds of Art — Today digital and tangible realms converge to redefine artistic creation and collection. We empower both digital artists and traditional artisans, crafting a seamless connection between virtual imagination and physical craftsmanship.
Founders — Luca Goldig (Left) and David Palancus (Right)
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We live in a time where the boundaries between the digital and the tangible blur. In this era, Forgio emerges as a new platform dedicated to redefining artistic creation and collection.
Our mission is simple, yet forceful: to forge a seamless connection between (digital) artists and the artisans of traditional media (working in materials such as bronze, marble, wood, an array of 3D printable resins and more), to co-create artworks which fuse the virtual and physical world.
At the heart of Forgio is an artist-first ethos. We understand the transformative potential of digital art, from mesmerizing generative pieces to intricate 3D models. Our platform therefore aims to empower artists and collectors alike to transcend traditional limitations, enabling the manifestation of digital marvels into tangible masterpieces — through partnerships with high-end craftsmen specializing in various mediums, Forgio makes the once- impossible, possible.
The cornerstone of our approach lies in our proprietary technology, designed to ensure the integrity and authenticity of each piece. This includes digital certification and a novel model for physical authentication. By innovating the way art is collected, we introduce a paradigm where the acquisition of 3D files precedes the creation of their physical counterparts, thereby eliminating the financial hurdles artists face in the production phase. This model not only democratizes access to art creation, but also opens a new realm of possibilities for collectors.
We aim to enlighten both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the art world about the revolutionary potential at this intersection. Forgio is committed to demystifying the confluence of digital art and traditional craftsmanship and our vision is to create a space where art transcends its medium: where the digital and physical coalesce to tell stories, evoke emotions, and captivate imaginations.
Workshop
Interview by Nina Knaack
This is the story of a landscape architect and a social entrepreneur who started a platform to unite digital artists with manufacturers, transforming virtual creations into tangible 3D sculptures. However, David Palancus and Luca Goldig are so much more than their respective traits, and their venture extends beyond merely linking artists with craftsmen. Welcome to Forgio.
David Palancus and Luca Goldig are on a mission to harness knowledge that empowers others, turning abstract ideas into tangible realities. “Forgio assists (digital) artists in manifesting their work in 3D. Our goal is to act as a conduit because, without such support, they might not achieve this,” David explains. He further elucidates, “Our role extends beyond mere imagination; we endeavor to interpret the artists' visions for them. We navigate the vernacular of those skilled in physical craftsmanship as well as the aspirations of coders eager to see their creations take on a new dimension. That is our raison d'être.”
David's multifaceted background in landscape architecture, fab labs, and art equips him with a nuanced understanding of converting digital concepts into physical realities. His work in restoring numerous historical gardens has necessitated collaboration with various craftspeople, including sculptors skilled in stone, marble, bronze, wood, and steel decoration. His fascination with digital mediums emerged from his experimentation with diverse software, driven by a desire to augment his traditional sketching and photography techniques with innovative methods of image creation.
In addition to his work in landscaping, David has consistently engaged in other forms of artistic explorations. “When I first encountered Man Rays photography, I was captivated by how the exposure of light on negatives could reverse the light in an image,” he reflects. “I've been drawn to anything related to imagery — colors, forms, shapes, lighting. A persistent question for me has been, 'How can I make images endure through time?' I believe we need creations that span centuries, enabling a deeper connection across generations. We often lose the knowledge our ancestors accumulated,” he contemplates. Therefore, a personal goal for him is to bridge the past and present, crafting works today that will hold value in the future — not just as art, but as tools for understanding and education. “With Forgio, we carefully select imagery to be realized in durable materials like marble or stone, thereby exploring new methods to render significant images somewhat eternal.” Cooperating with David in his endeavor is Luca Goldig, a recent graduate in social entrepreneurship and international development from McGill University. “I am deeply interested in enterprises that drive positive change in the world, such as supporting communities or aiding those less fortunate,” he articulates. “At Forgio, we provide artists with the opportunity to materialize their creations into physical items without any initial costs. This perspective and purpose are crucial for me in establishing a business.” For Luca, Forgio also serves another additional role:“
