Monday, November 8, 2010

Fornasetti: the complete universe


Fornasetti "The complete universe"


I have met Piero Fornasetti a few times when visiting his eclectic store which many years ago was situated along via Brera, in Milan, or simply seeing him suddenly appear on his bike wandering around the narrow streets of the city center. He was quite a personality, a real talent, an artist, a designer, a decorator and many other definitions we could use, with a passion for everything eccentric, magical, surreal.

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Piero Fornasetti

Finally his vast archive has been organized by his son Barnaba, who continues the family business and published in two volumes by Electa, now translated in English and published by Rizzoli with the title "Fornasetti: the complete universe".
700 pages and 3.000 images, a joy for Fornasetti fans like me.

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Fornasetti

The favorite shape used by Fornasetti for his decorated cups, a cylinder which so well shows the different patterns he created (at one point 40 different decorations, plus the solid colored ones )



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Fornasetti

On the left a chair designed by Gio' Ponti, produced by Cassina and decorated by Fornasetti with Farfalle motif, 1950. On the right a whimsical chair "Moro" again 1950's.
It is important to know that with Gio' Ponti, (one of the most important Italian architects, industrial designers, furniture designers, artists, and publishers of the twentieth century) Fornasetti realized many private and public projects, one designing, the other decorating... and a lifelong friendship developed between those two Milanese icons in the world of design.


From Fornasetti website (I am sure you'll enjoy browsing it, quite entertaining)
"Beloved for transforming everyday objects into works of art that featured his idiosyncratic designs, Piero Fornasetti (1913–1988) is recognized one of the world’s most inventive and creative minds. Now, in FORNASETTI: The Complete Universe (Rizzoli; November 2010), Barnaba Fornasetti—who continues to carry on the tradition of the Fornasetti atelier—celebrates his father’s legacy by offering readers a look inside the wonderous world that is Fornasetti".

Images from Fornasetti Archives
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13 comments:

  1. John J TackettNovember 9, 2010 at 5:52 AM

    I have several Fornasetti pieces, not shown in previous publications, so I am anxious to see all the other items I have never known about!

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  2. maryNovember 9, 2010 at 8:31 AM

    My love of Fornasetti was born only a few years ago. How I wish that I had not dismissed his designs when they were still priced in the affordable range. He was a true visionary. Thanks for the heads-up on this new book.

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  3. MEADE DESIGN GROUPNovember 9, 2010 at 8:44 AM

    I am very excited about this book - I think this could be a nice self gifted xmas present this year :)

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  4. Dovecote DecorNovember 9, 2010 at 9:10 AM

    Thank you Alba Rosa!! You always manage to elevate my knowledge and taste. I have the "I wants" very badly. That book could keep me by a warm fire for hours. I can't wait.
    Best,
    Liz

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  5. Peggy BraswellNovember 9, 2010 at 10:08 AM

    Adore him! thanks xx peggybraswelldesign.com

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  6. Marcus DesignNovember 9, 2010 at 12:07 PM

    This new book looks fantastic, thank you for sharing this. I appreciate his work so much.
    Nancy

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  7. ValerieNovember 9, 2010 at 1:22 PM

    I don't know anything about him. I am going to explore the book, it looks great and thank you for telling us.

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  8. AnonymousNovember 9, 2010 at 6:13 PM

    If Lina Cavalieri would have only known.

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  9. cotedetexasNovember 11, 2010 at 12:15 PM

    It looks beautiful!!!

    btw - Kwanawrites won the Harrison Howard print.

    Joni

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  10. Theresa CheekNovember 13, 2010 at 5:44 AM

    I have followed Fornasetti for years! This is wonderful news!

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  11. Linda MerrillNovember 13, 2010 at 2:34 PM

    Love this! Will have to check out the book!

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  12. UnknownNovember 14, 2010 at 8:48 AM

    What an imagination. This book looks amazing!

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  13. Claudia JuestelNovember 21, 2010 at 8:06 PM

    I am quite intrigued that you got a chance to meet Signore Fornasetti a few times. It is always special to meet true talent face to face. On my Christmas list for me too. :) Love the tea cups.

    Cheers,

    Claudia

    ReplyDelete

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