The Made in Italy brand needs no introduction, particularly within the design sphere. Among its many luminaries stands a post-war Italian design pioneer who tirelessly crafted over 2000 projects. He effortlessly navigated diverse fields, creating a wide array of items from furniture to children’s books, puzzles, and games. Moreover, through his concept of ‘Autoprogettazione,’ he empowered anyone to create their own furniture pieces. Who was this remarkable Italian designer? Enzo Mari.
Enzo Mari. Photo by Ramak Fazel. Courtesy of the Design Museum
Enzo Mari (27 April 1932 – 19 October 2020) was not only a prominent figure in the world of design from Milan. He was also revered as a thought leader, teacher, and theorist. Widely acknowledged as one of the most influential designers of the 20th century and often hailed as the ‘conscience of design,’ Mari was renowned for his fearless critiques of the design industry and his unwavering commitment to the societal impact of design—a conviction that resonates deeply even today.
Formosa. Perpetual wall calendar. 1963. Timor perpetual table calendar. 1966. Danese Milano. Courtesy of the Design Museum
That’s why anticipation is mounting for March 29, when the Design Museum of London will unveil the first-ever solo exhibition dedicated to Enzo Mari in the UK. This momentous celebration of his prolific six-decade career is curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist, the artistic director of the Serpentine Galleries in London, and Francesca Giacomelli, Mari’s trusted studio collaborator, designer, curator, and researcher.
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Supported by Istituto Marangoni London, the retrospective promises to be a comprehensive exploration of Mari’s multifaceted work, featuring over 300 objects, many of which have never been displayed in the UK before.
La mela e la farfalla, printing draft. 1958/1969. Archivio E. Mari, City of Milan, CASVA. Photo Gianluca Di loia - © Triennale Milano. Courtesy of the Design Museum
Running until September 8, 2024, the Design Museum’s showcase, “Enzo Mari curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist with Francesca Giacomelli,” follows its successful debut at Triennale Milano in 2020, where it premiered shortly before Mari’s passing at the age of 88. The exhibition subsequently travelled to C-Mine in Genk, Belgium, in 2023, further solidifying Mari’s global impact.
Iron Section bar containers. Putrella series, model A. 1958. Danese Milano. Photo Fabio e Sergio Grazzani. Courtesy of the Design Museum
So, what better tribute could there be to honour such a significant personality in the design industry than by showcasing his lifelong journey of timeless creativity to a broader audience? Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Design Museum in London and be inspired by Enzo Mari’s legacy.
Discover Enzo Mari’s Legacy in London like Never Before
In the Design Museum’s latest exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to explore hundreds of Mari’s projects, presented in chronological order, allowing them to delve into his research process and reflect on the guiding principles that shaped his work.
This insightful presentation offers a deeper understanding of Mari’s creative journey, serving as a timeless source of inspiration for generations of creatives.
The Nature Series. Preliminary sketches and variations for the goose with Elio Mari. Photo Studio Enzo Mari. Courtesy of the Design Museum
The exhibition will feature a diverse range of projects spanning furniture, conceptual installations, product design, and graphics. Additionally, attendees can enjoy a series of videos featuring interviews with Enzo Mari conducted by Hans Ulrich Obrist, providing insights into Mari’s constant ethical tension on design.
Equipment for research on colour and volume relations. 1952. Photo attributed to Paolo Monti. Courtesy of the Design Museum
Let’s examine some key elements of Mari’s creative universe, rooted in essential and enduring design principles.
Sustainability at the Core of Mari’s Work
As a pioneer of post-war design, Mari placed sustainability and accessibility at the forefront of his innovative approach to materials and aesthetics, reflecting his unyielding stance on the design’s societal role.
One of Mari’s standout projects was “Proposta per un’Autoprogettazione” in 1974 (Proposal for self-design), where he invited the public to create furniture based on his simple designs, championing open-source design principles and advocating for social responsibility. Mari’s activism underscored the importance of creating durable, low-cost, and multi-functional objects, a philosophy evident throughout his diverse body of work, including his installation-based pieces.
Iconic Simplicity: Enzo Mari’s ‘The Nature Series’ – Apples and Pears
Delve into the timeless allure of Enzo Mari’s renowned “The Nature Series,” featuring “La Mela (the apple)” and “La Pera (the pear).”
The Nature Series. No. 1: La Mela (the apple) with Elio Mari. Photo Danese Milano. Courtesy of the Design Museum
These simple yet profoundly expressive designs epitomise Mari’s distinctive perspective, capturing the essence of natural forms with minimalist innovation.
The Nature Series. No. 2: La Pera (the pear) with Elio Mari. 1961. Photo Danese Milano. Courtesy of the Design Museum
Available across a range of mediums, from posters and prints to artworks, Mari’s green pear and red apple have emerged as emblematic symbols of his profound contributions to design and aesthetics.
Puzzles, Children’s Books, and Enzo Mari’s Dedication to the Importance of Play
For Enzo Mari, play was “the activity needed to discover one’s potential and to learn about the world.” His illustration projects, which included children’s book designs and games, underscored the significance of meeting children’s needs in his creative endeavours.
16 animals. Wood.1957. Danese Milano. Photo Federico Villa. Courtesy of the Design Museum
Influenced by his interest in kinetic art and the work of Bruno Munari, Mari’s early works, such as toys and children’s books, reflected his dedication to stimulating imaginative play. Collaborating with his wife, Iela Mari, some books eschewed text and relied solely on visual elements to convey narratives.