Ettore Sottsass Pieces
This piece is titled 'Carlton' and was made by the group Memphis, however the main artist behind the piece is Ettore Sottsass. Within this piece various bright colours have been used. This was contrasting to the mainstream as oranges and browns were in. As Memphis were creating pieces to break the 'norm'. Colours such as yellows and grey have been dulled down to more of a pastel colour. This compliments the piece as these colours would have been overpowering compared to the rest. In addition contrasting colours such as blues and reds have been used next to each other. This creates a high contrast between the two as primary colours are not usually used together. This works well within this piece as the variety of colour compliments each other due to the nature of the piece. Moreover angles are a common theme within this piece and multiple others. Sharp clean edges are used throughout this piece making it eye catching and bold. By doing this the Memphis Group have ignored the slick smooth look of the time, making it stand out further. Also this piece defies the idea of 'functionality' at the time. This idea was repeatably used making pieces boring and bland. However Memphis defied this by making pieces that were poking fun at these regular everyday objects. In addition they made items that were classed as art and were more decorative than functional. This was iconic of them as they wanted to drive away form the mainstream market. Carlton was classed as a 'room divider'. This was due to the sheer scale of the piece. As well as it being a divider, it provide a lot of storage space as well. Draws can be seen in the image as well as the multiple shelving areas. People such as Karl Lagerfeld kept various items such as books on this instillation. Compared to Ettore Sottsass' other pieces, this one lacks in patterns. Other than the base of the piece, it has little pattern within it. Overall this piece gives off a childish remake of a simple bookcase."A bolt out of the blue, red and
yellow." - Lester
Dundes. This piece was made from medium density fibreboard (MFB) which was laminated in vibrant colours. This makes the piece sturdy and strong, able to complete its function. This piece as a whole gives off a childish, playful atmosphere which would brighten up the room. When placed alone and with other furniture, I believe that this piece is a statement that is bold and defining.
This piece is titled 'Tahiti Table Lamp'. Within this piece fewer colours have been used than 'Carlton'. Colours such as pink, red, yellow, brown and grey have been used. This limited compared to Carlton which features over 10 colours. This is drastically different as less contrasting colours, such as primary colours, have been used together. In addition the colours haven't been dulled compared to Carlton, making it more vivid and bold. However this piece is still eye catching it lacks in scale. As its original function is a lamp, the scale is much smaller than a room divider. Even though this piece is smaller, it is still fascinating and shocking to many in the 1980's. Compared to Carlton, this piece feature less sharp edges/angles and more rounded areas and smoother transitions. This is more appealing to the eye as the softer edges are nicer to view. Moreover, within this piece there will be wires hidden by the various coloured plastics they used to make these pieces. This is shown either by the brown cylindrical shape or the main yellow structure of the piece. Either could hide wiring easily, making this piece more harmonious. In addition this piece would light up when provided with electricity. This differs from Carlton as it is a statement piece rather then a functional piece as this one is. Even with its transformed design, it still has a function. This is shown throughout many of Memphis' work. This was because, even though their work defied the idea of 'functionality', they're pieces still had the basic function of the object in mind. Memphis wasn't a group about making money but rather a group trying to reshape the definition of art and design at the time. They wanted to break out against the 'norm'. When viewing this piece further, I believe this piece resembles a 'Drinking Bird'. Due to its shape, the rounded head and a squared beak, it appears to have been inspired by this. Similarly, this piece also features the same pattern as Carlton does. This pattern was designed Ettore Sottsass and is titled 'Bacterio'. This is because it resembles bacteria up close on a microscope. Overall this piece is a childish take on a lamp. This childlike approach to architecture is a common theme throughout their pieces. This links the Memphis' catalog together and 'bullet proofs' their idea on removing the dull from the market at the time. "Today
everything one does is consumed. It is dedicated to life, not to
eternity." - Ettore Sottsass. This piece gives off a playful and abstract atmosphere as from a distance the function of it would be unknown. Compared to 'Carlton' I believe this piece would make a statement when in junction with other pieces from the Memphis Group Collection.
Nathalie du Pasquier
This piece is titled 'Zaire' and was created by Nathalie du Pasquier. She has created series of patterns that feature throughout Memphis' designs. Within this piece, geometrical shapes have been used throughout. This was common throughout most of the designs and work. In addition angular shapes have been used in this piece rather than larger circles in other pieces. Also these shape are irregular and lively as each one is different. Moreover, a simple blue colour scheme has been used. These icy shades of blue make this pattern harmonious compared to its rigid featured shapes. By using various tones of blue the piece is calmer than others as there is only one colour used throughout. In addition, no outlines have been used in this piece. This was common in many designs and was seen throughout patterns used then and now in modern clothing. Compared to other designs this one is toned down is is more calming to perceive. However this piece still keeps it playful qualities that were common of the Memphis Group. "I draw shapes, I cut them out, I try them on different grounds, like a collage." - Nathalie du Pasquier. This piece gives off a moody sullen atmosphere. I believe this because of the dulled colours and limited range of them. Compared to the one below which is vibrant and striking, this one appears laid back and calm.
This piece is titled 'Gabon'. Within this piece only geometrical shapes have been used. Each shape/line involves sharp edges and angular points. Compared to the first pattern, this piece involves only angular shapes where as the one above had some circles incorporated within the design. Another difference is that a multitude of colours have been used in this pattern. Rather than a controlled colour scheme, colours such as purples, oranges, reds have been used sporadically. This is different as it immediately show the playfulness of the Memphis Group. In addition this piece is lively to look at and achieves a cheerful feeling. This piece also features various repeating patterns such as stripes and 'zig-zags'. These make the piece more fascinating to look at and makes the piece even more child-like. This piece gives off a cheery, energetic atmosphere as the colours are vibrant and bold. I believe this because compared to the one above this one is defining and will catch the viewer's eye. Each of her patterns were printed onto fabric. She has an interest in textiles and has now got a collection with American Apparel which is on sale.
Natalie Du Pasquier was inspired by many things including her parents, specially her mother who was an art historian. She had learned a classical way of looking at art. Whereas Bordeaux, the place she was born, did a lot of trade with Africa. This spurred her to travel to Africa with a group of friends after watching chips being unloaded with exotic goods for years. When in Africa she experiment with her first drawings and soon people began to say that they resembled African fabrics. She states that 'I was absorbing patterns the same way I was listening to music in the bars and on the radio'. - https://frieze.com/article/nathalie-du-pasquier-my-influences
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