Gaetano Pesce is dead
TAGWERC bids farewell to the pioneer of postmodernism with an obituary.
Gaetano Pesce, the visionary Italian architect and Designer, passed away 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, controversy, and the art era of postmodernism, and he was also a pioneer for Memphis.
Pioneer of postmodernism
Pesce was known for his openness and experimental approach to materials, forms, and colors, which made him a pioneer of modern design in the second half of the 20th century and continues to this day. Even in recent years, despite health setbacks, Pesce remained remarkably productive. This led to the creation of... chairs from Harz in 2022 for the fashion label Bottega Veneta. Until his death, Pesce worked on the exhibition ‚Nice To See You‘, which will be presented from April 15th to 23rd, 2024 in the Ambrosiana Library as part of the Salone des Mobiles 2024.
Sunset in New York
In the 1970s, the Ligurian-born designer became artistic director at Bracciodiferro, which translates to "arm wrestling." The playfully named company was founded in the early 1970s by Aldo Cichero and Cesare Cassina with the aim of creating innovative and experimental designs. It was here that he developed his affinity for resin, which led to the iconic Golgotha Chair and was also used in the Broadway Chair. The Broadway Chair was created after Pesce moved to New York in 1980. The modular sofa Tramonto a New York ("Sunset in New York") also emerged during this groundbreaking era for the design world. Besides resin, he also experimented with polyurethane and felt. Felt, in particular, was still an unusual material in furniture design at the time.
Unique furniture pieces despite mass production
Under the label 'Fish Design', which Pesce founded in 1994, home accessories, lighting, and furniture made of resin were created. With his 'Nobody's Perfect' collection in 2002, Pesce explored the individualization of mass-produced furniture. The result was unique pieces of furniture – one-of-a-kind – no two of which were alike. His work has been exhibited worldwide and is represented in all major design collections, most recently at the Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn in the exhibition 'All at Once'. Postmodernism, 1967–1992' shown.
Inspiration for generations
Pesce taught at renowned (architecture) schools 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 | An 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 manufactured by B&B Italia under the name 'Big Mama Up Chair'. - 1972
Golgotha Chair | A chair made of synthetic resin, created through an experimental process and thematically addressing 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 a symbol of avant-garde design, manufactured by Cassina - 2002
Nobody's Perfect | A furniture series where each piece of furniture is unique, thus thematically addressing the individualization of mass production.
- These works reflect Pesce's creative philosophy and have established him as a prominent figure in the world of design. His work is represented in renowned museums worldwide, such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
