ettore sottsass has died on december 31st, 2007 at his home in milan of heart failure after suffering from flu. in early december, a sottsass retrospective ‘I would like to know why’ was shown in trieste, italy, observing his 90th birthday, on sept. 14 . the artistic world has lost one of its most talented protagonists. during his long career from ‘memphis’ to ‘olivetti’ to his ceramic works, sottsass produced hundreds of objects which have heavily influenced all contemporary movements. he was able to combine ethics, ethos, magic and design practice.

you might want to read an interview with ettore sottsass, designboom published back in year 2000 where he is saying – ‘my motto? be patient, calm, compassionate, knowing that existence is fleeting.’

the new york times dedicated him an article ‘designs follow form, not function.’ published in 2006 and in 2008 on his death (image by emilio flores/new york times)