Memphis Group
The Memphis Group consisted of Italian designers and architects that created a series of influential furniture in the 1980's. The group's style comprised of bold defining colours, clashing colours, geometric shapes, angular lines etc... Their creative approach to design furniture at this time challenged the idea that products had to follow conventional shapes, colours, textures and patterns. At the time browns, oranges and simple layouts were common. This drab dark idea was boring many people in society who were yearning for something different. This was because, unlike the Pop Art and Op Art Movements, people had money in their pockets. As the economy had recovered from the war, people were able to spend money creating the cycle of prosperity. This boosted sales and kept prices low. The Group was founded in 1981 with Ettore Sottsass leading the group of young designers in their 20's. Ettore Sottsass himself was within his 60's giving him experience and wisdom as he lived through various movements. Whereas the younger designers, that were living in the same apartment block, were fresh modern and modern compared to Sottsass. This created a great balance between the new and the old. The name of the Group, "Memphis", came about when the group banded together in meetings listening to the song "Stuck Inside of Memphis with the Memphis Blues Again" by Bob Dylan. The word "Memphis" stuck resulting in name The Memphis Group. "An effervescent, seductive and
undeniably sympathetic group, it appalled some and amused others but put
everyone attending the fair in a state of high excitement." - New York Times.
Memphis was a reaction against the polished, black humourless design that lingered at the time. It was a time of minimalism with products that lacked personality and individualism. In Contrast, Memphis offered bright, colourful, unsettling pieces. These vivid defining colours stood out against the the browns and blacks of European furniture. Today Memphis could look dated, however fashion is continually inspired by Memphis as it returns throughout the years to inspire new and existing artists. Tasteful isn't a word commonly used with this movement as peculiar and quirky are more frequently used. However quirky designs and ideas are common today but at the time the Group were groundbreaking at the time. People ridiculed their work as it was previously unseen and a step into the unknown. Objects at the time were made to be functional and not be decorative. Memphis changed this with their creative approach as they poked fun at everyday objects. "When I was young, all we ever heard about was functionalism, functionalism, functionalism. It’s not enough. Design should also be sensual and exciting." - Ettore Sottsass.
After the Group's first meeting, they decided to meet again on February 1981. By then each artist had gathered and drawn hundreds of designs inspire by the previous movements, Pop Art and Art Decor as well as styles such as 1950's Kitsch and futuristic designs. After sharing and creating their designs, they exhibited their work for the first time at the Arc '74 showroom in Milan. This show exhibited clocks, lights, furniture created by internationally famous artists. One of Memphis' most famous pieces is Carlton. This piece was created to be a divider within a room. It has multiple functions such as shelving, storage, decorative etc... Famous people such as Karl Lagerfeld, the creative director of Chanel, has multiple pieces of Memphis' collection. "It was the weirdest feeling, you were in one sense repulsed by the objects, or I was, but also immediately freed by the sort of total rule-breaking." - Jasper Morrison.
Many people called Memphis a 'fad' and said that it wouldn't last. This was true as the group disbanded in 1987, but it officially ended in 1988. The group only spent six years together before they split up to go their separate ways. However recently, Nathalie Du Pasquier has collaborated with American Apparel to design items of clothing that represent and show patterns based on the Memphis Group. "I draw shapes, I cut them out, I try them on different grounds, like a collage." - Nathalie du Pasquier.
Overall, I think the Memphis Group are inspiring ass they wanted to create a new idea on what could be classed as 'art'. As well as defying the popular designs at the time and mocking everyday items. Compared to the other movements, I believe this movement will be fun to explore ideas, patterns and shapes when experimenting. Also I will be able to be more abstract with my ideas and involve bright eye catching colours compared to the muted tones of the previous movements.
Quotes from:
https://www.tate.org.uk/art
https://www.brainyquote.com/
https://artsandculture.google.com/
Memphis was a reaction against the polished, black humourless design that lingered at the time. It was a time of minimalism with products that lacked personality and individualism. In Contrast, Memphis offered bright, colourful, unsettling pieces. These vivid defining colours stood out against the the browns and blacks of European furniture. Today Memphis could look dated, however fashion is continually inspired by Memphis as it returns throughout the years to inspire new and existing artists. Tasteful isn't a word commonly used with this movement as peculiar and quirky are more frequently used. However quirky designs and ideas are common today but at the time the Group were groundbreaking at the time. People ridiculed their work as it was previously unseen and a step into the unknown. Objects at the time were made to be functional and not be decorative. Memphis changed this with their creative approach as they poked fun at everyday objects. "When I was young, all we ever heard about was functionalism, functionalism, functionalism. It’s not enough. Design should also be sensual and exciting." - Ettore Sottsass.
After the Group's first meeting, they decided to meet again on February 1981. By then each artist had gathered and drawn hundreds of designs inspire by the previous movements, Pop Art and Art Decor as well as styles such as 1950's Kitsch and futuristic designs. After sharing and creating their designs, they exhibited their work for the first time at the Arc '74 showroom in Milan. This show exhibited clocks, lights, furniture created by internationally famous artists. One of Memphis' most famous pieces is Carlton. This piece was created to be a divider within a room. It has multiple functions such as shelving, storage, decorative etc... Famous people such as Karl Lagerfeld, the creative director of Chanel, has multiple pieces of Memphis' collection. "It was the weirdest feeling, you were in one sense repulsed by the objects, or I was, but also immediately freed by the sort of total rule-breaking." - Jasper Morrison.
Many people called Memphis a 'fad' and said that it wouldn't last. This was true as the group disbanded in 1987, but it officially ended in 1988. The group only spent six years together before they split up to go their separate ways. However recently, Nathalie Du Pasquier has collaborated with American Apparel to design items of clothing that represent and show patterns based on the Memphis Group. "I draw shapes, I cut them out, I try them on different grounds, like a collage." - Nathalie du Pasquier.
Overall, I think the Memphis Group are inspiring ass they wanted to create a new idea on what could be classed as 'art'. As well as defying the popular designs at the time and mocking everyday items. Compared to the other movements, I believe this movement will be fun to explore ideas, patterns and shapes when experimenting. Also I will be able to be more abstract with my ideas and involve bright eye catching colours compared to the muted tones of the previous movements.
Quotes from:
https://www.tate.org.uk/art
https://www.brainyquote.com/
https://artsandculture.google.com/
Excellent! Well done!
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