For nearly five decades, Gaetano Pesce has been a leading figure in contemporary industrial design known for his unique approach that combines experimentation with irony. Having produced work spanning architecture, exhibition and industrial design, as well as film, the Italian-born architect approaches each project from the perspective of human emotion, environment, and production.
Luminaire is pleased to welcome the renowned designer to our Chicago showroom on October 27 at 2pm for a celebration of the designer’s incredible body of work as well for the Italian design brand B&B Italia’s 50th anniversary. The afternoon dialogue will be followed by a lecture at the School of the Art Institute Chicago in the Rubloff Auditorium at 6pm where the designer will discuss his design theories and inspirations.
Born in Spezia, Italy in 1939 and educated in Venice, Pesce gained notoriety in 1969 for his design of the UP Series for B&B Italia. Made possible by B&B Italia’s extensive research into the use of cold-molded polyurethane foam, the innovative series connects art and society to design through organic forms. The most imposing piece in the series, the UP5 lounge, is characterized by its sinuous form which recalls a female’s figure. The lounge is completed with an ottoman in the shape of a ball attached to the chair by a cord which represents a ball and chain. Here, the designer was providing commentary on the feminist uprising of the time while referencing his notion of women being prisoners.
The designer’s work is represented in the permanent collections of leading art and design museums such as the Museum of Modern Art MoMA in New York City, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Musee des Arts Decoratifs and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, among others.
At Luminaire, we believe design is a language, and as such has the power to transform lives. Part of our fundamental values is to spread our passion for design through education. Luminaire is honored to strengthen design awareness through education of Gaetano Pesce’s creative process meanwhile celebrating B&B Italia’s 50th anniversary. 2016 is a special year for B&B Italia celebrating its 50th anniversary with exclusive events worldwide at special B&B Italia locations and the launch of the book “The Long Life of Design in Italy, B&B Italia, 50 Years and Beyond” published by Skira Editore.
October 2016
