Duplex Gallery, located at The Mill Building in Williamsburg, presents “UTOPIA,” an exhibition that pays homage to the creative spirit of the second postwar Italian Design Revolution.
DESIGN
The exhibition is currently open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to explore the influential world of Italian design that has left an indelible mark on modern culture.
The Second Postwar Italian Design Revolution marked a transformative period in the world of design. It was an era where Italian creativity flourished, and innovative concepts were brought to life. Italian design became synonymous with a rich cultural exchange within mass-produced items, leaving an indelible imprint on popular culture. The products of this revolution are celebrated not only for their functionality but also for their ability to capture the imagination and evoke a sense of utopia.
In a world now characterized by advanced digital democracies, the design landscape has evolved. The visionary spirit of the early years of Italian design, with its focus on pushing boundaries and fostering originality, may seem somewhat distant in the present day. Nevertheless, exhibitions such as “UTOPIA” continue to honor and pay homage to the unparalleled legacy of Italian design, reminding us of the time when design was an embodiment of innovative vision and limitless creativity.
The exhibition showcases a carefully curated selection of iconic pieces, with a special focus on Acerbis creations, including the “Free System” sofa and “Napoleone” table designed by Claudio Salocchi, “Due Più” chairs and “Storet” chests by Nanda Vigo, and the “Florian” folding table by Vico Magistretti.
Among these remarkable pieces, visitors will also have the opportunity to view the cc-tapis rug designed by the Georgian duo “Rooms Studio,” a rare 1958 Luigi Caccia Dominioni “Catilina” armchair, a 1973 “Orseolo” desk designed by Scarpa, and the 1975 masterpiece “Bramante” sideboard by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon. Notable additions to the exhibit include the “Botolo” chairs by Cini Boeri for Arflex in Casentino wool, the “Dolmen” lamp by Ferruccio Laviani for Foscarini, and the instant classic “Spade” chair by Faye Toogood for Please Wait to be Seated. Additionally, the exhibition features a diptych artwork titled “Untitled: (No Trace – 2009-2010),” a Tar on Canvas piece by John Colao, inspired and created during the Big Sur basin fire in 2009.
“UTOPIA” invites visitors to immerse themselves in a world where design transcends the ordinary and represents the pioneering spirit of Italian design. It’s a compelling journey through time that celebrates the enduring influence of postwar Italian design on contemporary culture.
Duplex Gallery welcomes design enthusiasts and the curious public to explore this unique showcase of innovation and creative spirit. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this cultural tribute.
