Friday, April 29, 2011

The Memphis Group - Color, Pattern and Objects






Memphis Group Bookshelf: Andrea Branzi
Olivetti's Valentine Typewriter
circa 1969
The Memphis Movement celebrates the best of Italian design with vibrant colors and pattern.  Founded by Italian designer Ettore Sottsass, the design and architecture group created Post Modern furniture, fabrics, ceramics, glass and metal objects from 1981-1987. The group intended to develop a new creative design approach offering bright, colorful, shocking pieces meant to contrast with blacks and browns found in modern design.
Sottsass was already know for his 1969 design of Olivetti's Valentine Typewriter.  The design was marveled for its portability and the user's ability to use it anywhere.  Plus it was manufactured in eye-catching red.
They drew inspiration from Art Deco and Pop Art and embraced color.  Some might say their designs were superficial but that was far from the truth.  The Memphis Group continues to stand the test of time and it still inspires today's designers.

Here are some great examples of how we celebrate this design movement today!

NeoCon 2010: Interface FLOR






Wallpaper: Sarah Hvass
London Desk Lamp


4 comments:

Anonymous said...

NICE STUFF.
HELPED ALOT WITH MY TECH HOMEWORK, THANKS.
BYE!!!! :D

Susan Currie said...

Glad it helped you. Hope the semester ended well for you.

Anonymous said...

another art student pleased. thank you.

Susan Currie said...

Glad the post is continuing to help others learn about the Memphis Group.