MEMPHIS – PLASTIC FIELD

From May 24th to November 25th during the 16th edition of Biennale Architettura, Fondazione Berengo hosts MEMPHIS – Plastic Field at Palazzo Franchetti, an exhibition of Memphis group’s design works curated by Jean Blanchaert and Adriano Berengo.

Just like in the early ‘80s when the design group challenged the minimalist trend with a multicolored, pop art-inspired style with a provocative soul, this time Memphis’ iconic works stood out in contrast with Palazzo Franchetti’s historical backdrop. As a frame for the exhibition, a field of black leaves and plants was set to fade out any surrounding colour and let the visitors’ attention focus on the bold and daring range of tones and shapes which allowed architect Ettore Sottsass to leave an unforgettable mark in the global design scene of his time, together with the other co-founders of the movement.

The exhibition presented a selection of contemporary productions of the group’s most renowned works in their original design created during the 1981-1987 period. Alongside Sottsass’ masterpieces, Plastic Field offered the chance for visitors to enjoy the design works signed by Zanini, De Lucchi, Zanuso Jr, Bley, Bedin, Mendini, Mariscal, Kuramata, Cibic, Graves, Iosa Ghini, Thun, Taylor, Umeda, Sowden, Sanchez, Shire, Branzi and Du Pasquier.

Memphis’ innate irreverence shone through the exhibition’s structure as well, whose set-up by IB Studio (Milan) reshape Palazzo Franchetti’s map through Carlton’s geometrical skeleton, Sottsass’ 1981 iconic room divider that incarnates the postmodernist soul of his maker.

A thematic room is set to celebrate the impactful shapes and chromatic range of Memphis’ glassworks and to express Fondazione Berengo’s commitment in promoting the elegance and versatility of Murano’s glassmaking. Starting from 1989, Berengo Studio offers a top-class furnace for architects, artists and designers for the exploration this exquisite art medium.

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