‘the complete incoherence’ chronicles the provocative career of gaetano pesce

as his strong opinions are traced in his own words, gaetano pesce's personality drips from the pages like his colorful resins.

kat barandy May 8, 2023 3 min

learning from gaetano pesce

Soon to be published by Monacelli, a definitive monograph entitled ‘Gaetano Pesce: The Complete Incoherence’ will chronicle the life and career of the renowned artist and designer, Gaetano Pesce. Pesce is considered one of the most important and creative figures of the last half century, known for his provocative work that defies convention, utility, and good taste. The book is organized chronologically, and it presents a captivating dialogue between Pesce and design curator and author Glenn Adamson. The book comprises of Pesce’s verbal tracks and idiosyncrasies, as well as his strong opinions that are presented as he uttered them.

‘It is by no means the first or last word on Gaetano Pesce,’ writes Adamson, ‘but it is in his own words. And they are well worth reading.’

Ahead of the monograph’s publication on June 28th, 2023, Salon 94 Design will host a book signing and conversation between Gaetano and Glenn Anderson on May 20th at 3 E 89th Street, New York. RSVP and pre-order the book to pick up at the signing here.

gaetano pesce complete incoherence Gaetano Pesce: The Complete Incoherence | image courtesy Monacelli

the monograph traces the artist’s ‘complete incoherence’

‘Gaetano Pesce: The Complete Incoherence’ is introduced by Glenn Adamson, outlining Pesce’s nine ‘principles’ of creativity that correspond to the progression of his thinking since he began working in the 1960s. To be published by Monacelli, the book will be organized in twenty chapters, and Pesce’s personality drips from the pages as his strong opinions are presented in his own words. Adamson writes that these principles should not be understood as corresponding to specific periods of time, but as fields of insight that Pesce has had over the years, which have come to overlap and mix together, not unlike the poured, tinted resins in his furniture.

gaetano pesce complete incoherence
image courtesy the artist and Salon 94 Design. © Gaetano Pesce, photo Josh Itiola

Born in Italy in 1939, Pesce was educated in Venice by twentieth-century modernist masters and influenced by the city’s centuries-old tradition of glassmaking. He evolved into an industrial designer, architect, and urban planner, creating sculptures, conceptual installations, furniture, and jewelry designs that are highly collectible and coveted. Pesce’s work is distinguished by its irreverent character and innovative materials, particularly poured resin with its infinite expressive capabilities.

Pesce’s designs, such as collaborations with B&B Italia and Cassina, the 1969 Up series, 1984’s Sunset in New York sofa, and 1986’s I Feltri lounge chair, have become twentieth-century classics. Despite cultivating a reputation as an ‘enfant terrible’ who eludes every movement and design trend, Pesce’s work has long been celebrated and collected by important institutions worldwide.

gaetano pesce complete incoherence
bookcase from apartment of Alberto Carenza, 1969 | image © Gaetano Pesce, courtesy of the Gaetano Pesce Office
Moloch lamp promotional photo, 1970 | image © Gaetano Pesce, courtesy of the Gaetano Pesce Office