GRASSI, FORLANI AND CONTI
06 - September
THE VISIONARY TRIAD THAT SHAPED MODERN ITALIAN DESIGN
Luciano Grassi, Sergio Conti, and Marisa Forlani are renowned Italian designers who were celebrated for their collaborative work in the mid-20th century, particularly in furniture and interior design. Their alliance is known for blending modernist principles with unprecedented designs, resulting in timeless and refined pieces, that envisage functionality and clean lines, while producing high-quality craftwork. Together, they have contributed significantly to the evolution of Italian design, leaving a lasting impact on the industry with their distinct style that harmonizes simplicity, sophistication and meticulous focus on the harmonious integration of materials. Their work remains highly regarded and influential in the world of contemporary design.
Untitled/Artigianato, 1953. Luciano Grassi, Sergio Conti and Marissa Forlani
The artists adeptly utilized various mediums to exalt the physicality of materials and the intellectual complexities inherent in handmade art. By synthesizing avant-garde forms with a deep reverence for Italian artisanal heritage, the artwork challenges the observer to reevaluate the significance of art in an era increasingly characterized by industrialized mass production. It seeks to ensure that the viewer, who at the same time lives with the work, is aware that they are not simple pieces of furniture but that their creation has a why and a how and if it has reached them it is because these two premises hold some value.
“Cesto” chairs, circa 1959. Luciano Grassi, Sergio Conti and Marissa Forlani
Notably, the collaborative nature of the work is exemplified through each artist's distinct perspective, culminating in a harmonious yet dynamic composition. Grassi's abstract influences, Conti's formal focus, and Forlani's meticulous attention to detail synergistically coalesce, beckoning profound reflection. Ultimately, the piece is a testament to the enduring pertinence of artisanal practices, effectively bridging the past with contemporary artistic discourse.
