joe colombo - inventing the future

joe colombo - inventing the future. one of italy's most influential product designers ............................................................................................................

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joe colombo - inventing the future

palazzo della triennale, milan
16 sep 2005 - 18 dec 2005
http://www.triennale.it

joe colombo is one of italy's most influential product designers.
after experiences in various art fields, from informal painting to
furnishings, since 1963 he devoted himself to industrial
design and to a mass-production. by experimenting new materials
and advanced technologies - at a time when consumers
were tantalised by the space race, the pop art movement -
he created ‘machines for living’, entire living cells,
habitats of the future.
a collection of his products that have made history in the design
world, some of his futuristic pieces, like ceiling-fitted TVs,
subterranean nuclear cities and walls incorporating rotating
fridges are on display.

four theme-based chronological sections represent
colombo's fascination with bizarre artistic expressions.
the first part of the exhibition groups his earlier art and
architectural creations, including personal objects and
unedited graphic pieces.

the second is on the subject of design, showcasing
masterpieces such as the ‘elda’ armchair, the ‘universale’ chair,
lamps and other piece of furniture.

the third section illustrates the artist's move towards a more
flexible and modular concept of the living space,
which is particularly visible in his ‘combi center’ container
and programmabile cabinet.

a final space hosts colombo's latest attempt to create complete
and multifunctional architectural environments, such as the
‘total furnishing unit’, ‘visona 1’ and his own apartment,
designed in 1968.

the joe colombo design studio was run by ignazia favata (1943),
who is co-curator (together with mateo kris) of this exhibition.

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see

inventing the future

biography of joe colombo

'universale' chair

elda easychair

superleggera easychair

total furnishing unit

modular furniture

recliners

cabriolet bed

birillo barstool

lighting

smoke glass, 1964

serving tray