The avant-garde movement of Radical Design flourished in Italy from the mid-1960s to the early 1980s. It generated thought-provoking and groundbreaking creations intricately linked to a wider philosophical, artistic and architectural ideology. Inspired by the Pop Art movement, designers conceived a brand-new lexicon of expression by delving into innovative materials, shapes, and colours. Objects became vehicles to convey ideas and to push the boundaries of conventional design.
The visionary architect and designer Alessandro Mendini emerged as one of the foremost proponents of Radical Design, and the present Unique ‘Spaziale’ table serves as a striking embodiment of Italian postmodernism. A drawing of the table and chair from the same series was illustrated on the cover of Casabella magazine in 1974, in a captivating, ethereal, and "floating" layout which positioned furniture design as an imaginative medium for artistic and spiritual expression. The use of reflective colours and the illusion of weightlessness gives the table an almost transcendental quality. Through their cosmic aesthetics, works of Radical Design established a profound connection between earthly design and the celestial realm.
Mendini's design philosophy transcended the mere functional territory, inciting contemplation about the inherent potential of objects to elevate the human spirit. This concept found articulation through his series of pieces in the mid-seventies, known as 'Objects for Spiritual Use,' where he presented the poetic and spiritual essence of furniture. In 1987, a selection of these objects, were exhibited in the ‘Stanza del Secolo’ at Palazzo Diamanti in Ferrara together with other works he designed during that period. These included, among others, the 'Proust' armchair and the 'Kandissi' sofa and mirror. By far the most outstanding piece was the ‘Spaziale’ table, whose unmistakably radical forms make it an undeniable icon of Radical Italian Design.
Provenance
Galleria Cristiani, Turin Private collection, Alba, acquired from the above, circa 2000 Acquired from the above by the present owner
Exhibited
'Stanza del Secolo', Palazzo Diamanti, Ferrara, 1978 'Stanza da Manuale', Galleria d'Arte Moderna, Bologna, 1981
Literature
Rosamaria Rinaldi, Alessandro Mendini: Progetto lnfelice, Milan, 1983, illustrated p. 16 Andrea Branzi, The Hot House: Italian New Wave Design, Cambridge, 1984, illustrated p. 126 Fulvio Irace, Codice Mendini, Florence, 2016, illustrated p. 205
1978 Painted wood, linoleum. 85 x 164 x 164 cm (33 1/2 x 64 5/8 x 64 5/8 in.) Produced by Studio Alchimia, Milan, Italy. Together with a certificate of authenticity from the Atelier Mendini.