Exhibition: Ettore Sottsass

Ettore Sottsass, Austrian-born Italian architect and industrial designer, was truly a Renaissance man - not only was he skilled in these two particular fields, but also proclaimed success as a writer, photographer, and painter. Though, he was predominantly known for his industrial designs and architectural work.

-all images photographed and edited by me-

Showcased at the Met Breuer, which is an annex and contemporary sister building to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, this exhibition presents a retrospective of Sottsass' paintings, furniture, jewelry, photographs, and ceramic + glass creations, all executed over the span of his 60-year career.

Sottsass' designs weren't necessarily created nor perceived for the commercial mass market and enticed more of a cult following; his work was considered much of an acquired taste for most. The usage of squiggles, perpendicular lines, and chunky opaque forms juxtaposed against contrasting ones are what to be expected of his design aesthetic. Sottsass and his creative counterparts of the Memphis Group employed bold colors + graphics reminiscent of the 80's - while utilizing assorted materials such as wood, plastic, and glass to create the many objects and furnishings seen in this exhibition.