The exhibition showcases twenty pieces from the multihyphenate maestro, including iconic works such as the ‘Kandissi’ sofa (1979), the ‘Poltrona di Proust, Bronzo’ (1990), and the ‘Cleome Elegans’ (1993), as well as original creations created for the gallery such as the ‘Lampada’, the ‘Poltrona white gold’, the ‘Umbria’ table, and the ‘Enigma’ stool.

The exhibition also features a new film highlighting a performance by dancer and choreographer Brandon Miel Masele, centered around the ‘Poltrona white gold’. Through his virtuosity, energy, and fluidity, Masele offers a fresh perspective on Mendini’s contemporary piece, which itself draws inspiration from its iconic predecessor, the ‘Proust’ chair.

The French designer Pierre Charpin, a friend and collaborator of Mendini, has contributed to the exhibition with an intimate text, borrowing Mendini’s epistolary style he used whilst at the helm of Domus magazine. Charpin and Mendini’s relationship is further exemplified by the display of the ‘All’aperto’ bench, a co-signed piece which reflects the creative partnership they undertook during their joint eponymous show at Galerie kreo in 2007.

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Alessandro Mendini (1931-2019) was an Italian designer and architect known for his playful, colorful, and eclectic style. He was a leading figure in the postmodern design movement, and one of the founders of the Radical design movement in the 1970s, with Ettore Sottsass, Andrea Branzi, and Michele De Lucchi at Studio Alchimia. 

Mendini designed a number of iconic objects and buildings, namely the ‘Proust’ armchair (1978), and the Groninger Museum in the Netherlands (1994). He advised and created for international brands such as Alessi and Philips, and was the artistic director of Swatch. 

The Italian maestro was awarded the Compasso d’Oro for design on several occasions (1979; 1981; 2014), and in France, received the title of ‘Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres’. His work can be found in the permanent collections of major museums worldwide, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. 

Also active on the editorial side of the design world, Mendini was the director of the magazines ‘Casabella’ (from 1970 to 1976), ‘Modo’ (which he founded in 1977 and directed until 1988) and ‘Domus’ (1979-1985, 2010-2011).

He developed several collections with Galerie kreo since 2001.

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Scenography by Pierre Charpin.

Special thanks to Elisa Mendini, Fulvia Mendini, and Beatrice Felis for their precious help.