Gaetano Pesce is dead
TAGWERC bids farewell to the pioneer of postmodernism with an obituary
Gaetano Pesce, the visionary Italian architect and Designerdied today, April 4, 2024, at the age of 84. Born in La Spezia in 1939, he studied architecture in Venice and joined the experimental artists' group 'Gruppo N'. Pesce achieved his breakthrough in 1969 with the inflatable armchair 'Up', also known as 'La Mamma', which became a symbol of innovative design, contoverse and the postmodern art era, and he was also a pioneer for Memphis.
Pioneer of postmodernism
Pesce was known for his openness and willingness to experiment with materials, shapes and colors, which made him a pioneer of modern design in the second half of the 20th century. Despite health setbacks, Pesce was particularly productive in his final years. For example chairs from Resin 2022 for the fashion label Bottega Veneta. Until his death, Pesce worked on the exhibition 'Nice To See You', which will be held from April 15 to 23, 2024 in the Ambrosiana Library as part of the Salone des Mobile 2024.
Sunset in New York
In the 1970s, the Ligure native became the artistic director of 'Bracciodiferro', which translates as 'arm wrestling'. The company with the tongue-in-cheek name was founded in the early 1970s by Aldo Cichero and Cesare Cassina with the aim of realizing innovative and experimental design. It was here that he developed his preference for synthetic resin, which led to the iconic 'Golgotha Chair' and was also used in the 'Broadway Chair'. The chair was created when Pesce moved to New York in 1980. The modular sofa 'Tramonto a New York' ('Sunset in New York') was also created in this pioneering era for the design world. In addition to synthetic resin, he also experimented with polyurethane and felt. At the time, felt in particular was still an unusual material in the field of furniture design.
Unique furniture despite mass production
Under the label 'Fish Design', which Pesce founded in 1994, he created home accessories, lights and furniture made of synthetic resin. With his 'Nobody's Perfect' collection in 2002, Pesce explored the individualization of mass-produced furniture. He created unique pieces of furniture - one-offs - of which no two models were alike. His works have been exhibited worldwide and are represented in all important design collections and were most recently shown at the Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn in the exhibition 'Alles auf einmal. Postmodernism, 1967-1992'.
Inspiration for generations
Pesce taught at renowned (architecture) universities and received numerous awards. His work has left an indelible mark on the design world and will continue to inspire generations of designers.
"Rest in peace, Gaetano Pesce."
Designs
- 1969
UP Chair | Inflatable armchair in the style of postmodern design, which became a symbol of innovative design and was and is represented in many exhibitions and is now produced by B&B Italia under the name 'Big Mama Up Chair'. - 1972
Golgotha Chair | chair made of synthetic resin, which was created in an experimental process and deals thematically with the Last Supper, the Shroud and the entire Passion of Christ. - 1993
Broadway Chair | combines steel for the frame and colored resin for the seat and was manufactured by Bernini. - 1987
I Feltri | armchair Series made of felt and symbol of avant-garde design, produced by Cassina - 2002
Nobody's Perfect | Furniture series in which each furniture element is unique and thus thematically addresses the individualization of mass production.
- These works reflect Pesce's creative philosophy and have made him a force to be reckoned with in the world of design. His works are represented in renowned museums worldwide, such as Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
