"50 Years of Italian and German Design"
2000-06-30 until 2000-11-12
Bundeskunsthalle
Bonn, , DE Germany

For the first time this exhibition will show Italian and German design since 1945 in relation to each other. Among other things, on display will be icons of design - from the Eiermann wicker chair to the Tizio desk lamp, posters for the 1972 Olympics in Munich, graphic design for companies such as Olivetti and Pirelli, 1950s furnishings and foam-material living interiors of the 1960s. Also, designs of those who by their creative will have not only influenced the world of products: Dieter Rams, Ettore Sottsass, Alessandro Mendini, Anna Castelli and many more will realize special design projects. An overall view will reflect on the past 50 years of German and Italian design: schools (hfg Ulm), trends (Memphis, Radical Design) or awards (Compasso D’oro, Federal Award Gute Form) are represented by exemplary objects. Living spaces will provide a comprehensive view into design objects that have influenced style.

Spread over the 9,000 sq. m. area on the roof garden, Italian and German automobiles will be presented - from the Borgward and Isetta up to the Alfa Romeo spider - a cross-section of automobile design from the past 50 years. In addition, in the summer months the roof garden will offer everything Germany and Italy have to offer to make life enjoyable beyond design: espresso, Campari, discussions and pleasure

. The exhibition will also play with what is generally considered to be typically Italian and typically German. It contrasts product series with individual articles and presents common as well as spectacular objects. Also, an entertaining view will be provided into the common culture of the past fifty years of two such differing countries who have always been in competition with each other, as well as mutually influencing and learning from each other. 4 : 3, the final score from the spectacular World Cup Soccer game in 1970, in Germany and Italy embodies intrigue, promise, sensation, enthusiasm, desire, success and passion. A particular attraction will be in the form of a luxury parking lot for famous Italian and German automobiles of the past five decades, which will be situated on the 9,000 sq. m. roof garden. The FESTO company has developed and sponsored a portable air tent especially for this exhibition. This airquarium is currently the largest transparent textile membrane dome in the world.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a comprehensive catalogue which includes essays by Paola Antonelli, Uwe Loesch, Andrea Branzi, Köbi Gantenbein, Erik Spiekermann and many more.

IMAGE:
Michele De Lucchi:
Stuhl First, 1983
© Michele De Lucchi

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for Germany

Other Important Exhibitions in Germany