Annalisa Rosso reviews the Fornasetti show at Milan's Triennale
The Legendary Fornasetti
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Self Portrait by Piero Fornasetti
© Atelier Fornasetti Milan
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Piero Fornasetti
© Atelier Fornasetti Milan
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© Atelier Fornasetti Milan
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Courtesy of Triennale Design Museum
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© Atelier Fornasetti Milan
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Courtesy of Triennale Design Museum
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Courtesy of Triennale Design Museum
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© Fabrizio Marchesi; courtesy of Triennale Design Museum
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© Fabrizio Marchesi; courtesy of Triennale Design Museum
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© Fabrizio Marchesi; courtesy of Triennale Design Museum
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© Fabrizio Marchesi; courtesy of Triennale Design Museum
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© Fabrizio Marchesi; courtesy of Triennale Design Museum
Quotations from and about the late, great Piero Fornasetti pepper the exhibition 100 Years of Practical Madness, the most comprehensive retrospective of his impressive oeuvre to date, currently on view at the Triennale Design Museum in Milan. One of my favorites comes from design maestro Ettore Sottsass: “It is as if Fornasetti repainted all the existing world… everything seems so beautiful, so smooth, so magic, and mysterious, as you might imagine the infinite depths of the cosmos to be.” Although Fornasetti’s work existed primarily as interventions upon the surfaces of objects and spaces, his vision penetrated into our collective unconscious. It’s about time this complex and controversial Italian figure received a grand institutional treatment.
Curated by Fornasetti’s son Barnaba in celebration of the centenary of his birth, the show has a flavor of reconciliation. Milanese-born Fornasetti, who died over 25 years ago, likened himself to a Renaissance man; a moniker justified by his prolific output and diverse talents, working interchangeably as a painter, illustrator, engraver, craftsman, and decorator. Despite his popularity, particularly in the U.S. and U.K., and especially during the postwar years, the Triennale and other delegates of the international design establishment long marginalized his work.
For most of his lifetime, rationalist modernism dominated the cultural discourse, and nearly every form of decoration became an act of kitsch or defiance. Fornasetti remained undaunted by this party line, however, creating more than 11,000 designs across a spectrum of products, one-offs, furniture, and interiors. In terms of sheer volume, Fornasetti's production is one of the most significant of the 20th century.
The exhibition tries to capture the breadth of Fornasetti’s creativity through more than 1,000 objects drawn from the family archive: paintings from his early career; sketches and studies; furniture and clothing; reconstructed interiors; and a wealth of his most iconic plates, ashtrays, screens, foulards, and trays. “It has been hard to restrain, and choose what not to bring,” explains Barnaba, who successfully carried on his father’s work after his passing.
Among the most fascinating rooms is one dedicated to 100 trays, each displaying a unique and intricate design, or perhaps the corridor of self-portraits that demonstrate his deft draftsmanship. Of course, the signature Themes & Variations series is well covered. Dedicated to the beautiful face of opera singer Lina Cavalieri, which Fornasetti first encountered in an old newspaper, this motif became a sort of Fornasetti alter ego that adorned over 350 different objects. The ambiguous female gaze draws the spectators into a kaleidoscope of adaptations, nine of which are signed by Barnaba, including one in which the classic visage has a pierced tongue.
During the exhibition's opening, Fornasetti’s many friends and collaborators shared fond memories of the old shop in Via Brera, which always attracted a noteworthy crowd of creative talents and collectors. Fornasetti’s social circle aside, it seems that all Italians—myself included—have affection for Fornasetti’s work, even if they don’t know his name or the story behind it. He was a genius of unrestrained, fantastic invention, as well as a rigorous technician, and his novel imagery has been sewn into the cultural fabric of the nation. The exhibition’s organizers are currently investigating the possibility to travel the show internationally. Fingers crossed…
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Text by
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Annalisa Rosso
Annalisa is a freelance journalist, trendsetter, and independent curator often hired as an Italian correspondent on design and contemporary art. She is curious about everything, always looking for something new. Because unrest is a good engine.
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More to Love
Mongolfière No. 2 Dining Plate by Piero Fornasetti, 1955
Mongolfière No. 3 Dining Plate by Piero Fornasetti, 1955
Year 1972 Porcelain Calendar Plate by Piero Fornasetti
Year 1973 Porcelain Calendar Plate by Piero Fornasetti
Musical Instruments Bookends by Piero Fornasetti for Fornasetti Milano, 1950s, Set of 2
Small Black & Gold Charm Bracelet Dish by Piero Fornasetti, 1960
Le Arpie Gentili Dish by Piero Fornasetti, 1960
Vintage Italian Coffee Table by Fornasetti
Palloni Metal Tray with Hot Air Balloons by Piero Fornasetti, 1955
Vintage Porcelain Commedia dell'Arte Maschere Italiane Plates by Piero Fornasetti, Set of 4
Vintage Cancer Zodiac Porcelain Plate by Piero Fornasetti for Corisia, 1974
Small Plates by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s, Set of 7
Vintage Wooden Room Divider by Piero Fornasetti
Mid-Century Bordo Bassorilievo Coffee Table by Piero Fornasetti
Trolley from Piero Fornasetti, 1950s
Umbrella Stand by Piero Fornasetti, 1950
Vintage Italian Plate with Coat of Armor by Piero Fornasetti, 1960s
Vintage Italian Tema e Variazioni Plate by Piero Fornasetti, 1960s
Italian Fish Plate by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s
Italian Porcelain Calendar Plate for 1987 by Piero Fornasetti, 1986
Italian Fornasetti Calendar Plate for 1997 by Barnaba Fornasetti, 1996
Fornasetti Calendar Plate for 2000 by Barnaba Fornasetti
No. 10 Race Horse Plate by Piero Fornasetti
Fornasetti Calendar Plate for 1978 by Piero Fornasetti
Year 1994 Calendar Plate by Barnaba Fornasetti
Italian Calendar Plate for 1996 by Barnaba Fornasetti, 1995
Vintage Italian Porcelain Zodiac Scorpio Plate by Piero Fornasetti for Corisia, 1967
Vintage Italian Astrolabio Series Plate by Piero Fornasetti
Convex Mirror from Atelier Fornasetti, 2003
Butterfly Table Lamp by Piero Fornasetti, 1950
Italian Newspaper Table Lamp by Piero Fornasetti, 1950
'Chiavi e Pistole' Coffee Table from Piero Fornasetti, 1961
Capitello Chair by Atelier Fornasetti
Italian Cameo Side Table by Piero Fornasetti, 1940s
Libra Zodiac Porcelain Plate by Piero Fornasetti for Corisia, 1970
Scorpio Zodiac Porcelain Plate by Piero Fornasetti for Corisia, 1967
Italian Vintage Cigarette Case by Piero Fornasetti, 1960s
Table Lamp with Butterflies by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s
Vintage Italian Ashtray by Piero Fornasetti
German Porcelain IL Sole Di Capri Vase by Piero Fornasetti for Rosenthal, 1990s
Siamese Cat Paper Basket by Piero Fornasetti, 1955
Vintage Stoviglie Malachite Plates by Piero Fornasetti, Set of 12
Large Jewelry Metal Tray from Piero Fornasetti, 1980s
Mid-Century Roman Foot Pencil Holder by Piero Fornasetti for Fornasetti
Vintage Grandi Maestri Plate by Piero Fornasetti
Reflecting City Screen by Atelier Fornasetti, 2001
Vintage Selvaggina Series Plates by Piero Fornasetti, Set of 6
Italian Metal Bookends by Fornasetti, 1960s, Set of 2
Vintage Plate by Piero Fornasetti for Rosenthal, 1980s
Ceramic Plate by Piero Fornasetti for Rosenthal, 1980s
Metal Bookends by Atelier Fornasetti, 1960s, Set of 2
Italian Malachite Side Table with Key Pattern by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s
Vintage Italian Medusa Sconces in Enamel Ceramic by Piero Fornasetti, 1970s, Set of 2
Vintage Folding Screen by Piero Fornasetti
Stoviglie No. 11 Dinner Plate from Piero Fornasetti, 1955
Le Figaro Table Lamp by Piero Fornasetti, 1955
Vintage Profili Romani Gilt Ceramic Coasters by Piero Fornasetti, Set of 8
Vintage Umbrella Stand Depicting a Collie by Piero Fornasetti
Ceramic Plate by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s
Vintage Italian Sagittarius Zodiac Porcelain Plate by Piero Fornasetti for Corisia, 1975
Nastro con Fiori Serving Tray by Piero Fornasetti
Italian Cameo Side Table by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s
Stoviglie No. 6 Dinner Plate from Piero Fornasetti, 1955
Dinner Plate Stoviglie No. 7 by Piero Fornasetti, 1955
Stoviglie No. 10 Dinner Plate from Piero Fornasetti, 1955
Stoviglie No. 5 Dinner Plate from Piero Fornasetti, 1955
Stoviglie No. 4 Dinner Plate from Piero Fornasetti, 1955
Stoviglie Dinner Plates by Piero Fornasetti, 1955, Set of 6
Large Sole Ricciuto Plate by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s
Year 1997 Calendar Plate by Barnaba Fornasetti
No. 308 Tema E Variazoni Porcelain Plate by Piero Fornasetti, 1970s
Italian Porcelain Flatware Plates by Piero Fornasetti for Atelier Fornasetti, 1950s, Set of 2
Vintage Sezioni di Frutta Plate by Piero Fornasetti
Carousel of Fruit Plate by Piero Fornasetti for Atelier Fornasetti
Model Carousel of Fruit Plate by Piero Fornasetti for Atelier Fornasetti
°74 Porcelain Plate by Piero Fornasetti
Porcelain Plate by Piero Fornasetti
Saucers with Money Motifs by Piero Fornasetti, Set of 8
Large Cocktail Plate by Piero Fornasetti
Calendar Plate by Piero Fornasetti, 1969
Leopardo Chest of Drawers by Piero Fornasetti for Barnaba Fornasetti, 1980s, Set of 2
Ceramic Plates by Piero Fornasetti, Set of 7
Coasters by Piero Fornasetti for Saks Fifth Avenue, Set of 7
Red Mahogany Box by Fornasetti
Metal Lithography Trompe l'Oeil Umbrella Stand by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s
Pyramide Humaines Table by Piero Fornasetti, 1960s
Cameo White Table Lamp by Piero Fornasetti, 1950
Midcentury Umbrella Stand by Piero Fornasetti
Keys Side Table by Piero Fornasetti
Porcelain Plate by Piero Fornasetti, 1966
Tray with Fruit Motif by Piero Fornasetti for Fornasetti, 1960s
Ricette Piemontesi Plates by Piero Fornasetti, Set of 4
Dish by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s
Umbrella Stand by Piero Fornasetti for Fornasetti, 1960s
Dish from Piero Fornasetti, 1950s
Ceramic Plates from Piero Fornasetti, 1955, Set of 3
Vintage Italian Metal Tray by Piero Fornasetti
Vintage Porcelaine Side Dishes by Piero Fornasetti for Atelier Fornasetti, Set of 8
White Cammeo Table Lamp by Piero Fornasetti, 1950
Butterflies Table Lamp by Piero Fornasetti, 1950
Birds Table Lamp by Piero Fornasetti, 1950
Cameii Table Lamp by Piero Fornasetti, 1950
Flaming Hot Air Balloon Design Plate by Piero Fornasetti, 1955
Vintage Le Arpie Side Dishes by Piero Fornasetti for Atelier Fornasetti, Set of 8
Hot Air Balloon Design Plate from Piero Fornasetti, 1955
Yellow Hot Air Balloon Design Plate by Piero Fornasetti, 1955
Import Export Trompe l'Oeil Umbrella Stand by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s
Lithography Tambour Stand by Piero Fornasetti
Oggetti Caccia Porcelain Plates by Piero Fornasetti, 1955, Set of 6
1980 Calendar Plate by Piero Fornasetti
Vintage Raffaele Carrieri Plate by Piero Fornasetti, 1960s
Vintage Black & White Plates by Piero Fornasetti, Set of 2
Vintage Italian Sezioni Di Frutta Plate by Piero Fornasetti, 1960
Anfiteatro Plates by Piero Fornasetti, 1960s, Set of 11
Vintage Italian Large Dish of St Peter's Dome by Piero Fornasetti, 1960s
Vintage Church Dome Dishes by Piero Fornasetti, Set of 6
Vintage Italian Dish with Three Musical Stringed Instruments by Piero Fornasetti, 1960
No. 12 Astronomici Porcelain Plate by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s
Astronomy Plate from the Cognitione Del Pianeta Dominator Dell'Anno Series by Piero Fornasetti, 1955
Adam & Eve Ceramic Coasters Collection by Piero Fornasetti, 1960s, Set of 16
Vintage Bohemian Glass Decorated Metal Tray by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s
Vintage Iznik Ceramic Plaque by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s
Vintage Astronomici Plate by Piero Fornasetti
No. 4 Astronomici Plate by Piero Fornasetti, 1955
Astronomic Plate from the Rotondita Dell'Acqua Series by Piero Fornasetti, 1952
No. 5 Astronomici Plate by Piero Fornasetti, 1955
No. 7 Astronomici Plate by Piero Fornasetti, 1955
Quand on Arrive Series Coasters by Piero Fornasetti, 1960, Set of 8
Vintage Italian Set of Plates Depicting Eve by Piero Fornasetti, 1960s, Set of 12
Side Tables by Piero Fornasetti, 1980, Set of 2
Paper Basket by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s
Gilded and Glass Head Sculpture by Piero Fornasetti, 1970s
Piovra Marina Ceiling Light by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s
Italian Ashtray and Dish Set from Fornasetti, 1950s, Set of 2
Italian Tray by Piero Fornasetti for Fiat, 1966
Il Giardino all'Italiana Carpet by Piero Fornasetti, 1980
Italian Porcelain Fish Appetizer Tray by Piero Fornasetti, 1960s
Fish Motif Tableware from Fornasetti, 1955, Set of 8
Vintage Italian Fornasetti Bowl Set, 1980s, Set of 6
Vintage Porcelain Plates Depicting Adam by Piero Fornasetti, 1960s, Set of 12
Demilune Dishes by Piero Fornasetti for Fiat, 1960, Set of 6
Vintage Italian Calendar Porcelain Plate for 1974 by Piero Fornasetti for Piatti Calendario, 1973
Italian Black & Gold Neoclassical Metal Tray by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s
Vintage Italian #301 Plate by Piero Fornasetti, 1970
Vintage Italian Recipe Plate by Piero Fornasetti for Fleming Joffe, 1960s
Porcelain Ash Tray by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s