Step into the world of Enzo Mari, where design transcends aesthetics and functionality to become a testament to innovation and societal change. Film and Furniture recently treated our members and guests to a preview of the captivating Design Museum exhibition showcasing the life and works of this legendary Italian designer. Now, we’re thrilled to offer four pairs of tickets to experience this showcase, waiting for the next four people who become an F&F paid member.

Enzo Mari stands as one of the most influential figures in 20th-century design, helping to shape the landscape of post-war Italian design with his visionary approach. His six-decade-long career is a testament to his prowess not just as a designer, but as an artist, educator, critic, and theorist. The exhibition, which premiered in Milan in 2020 before making its way to London’s Design Museum, sheds light on over 300 objects, many of which have never been seen before on British soil.

The exhibition presents an opportunity to delve into Mari’s creative process as archival materials offer a glimpse into his meticulous research methods and the core principles that guided his career. His knack for simplifying complex design problems is evident in his beautifully graphic drawings, showcasing his innate ability to distill forms to their essence.

You’ll discover the evolution of his iconic Nature Series, where a goose transforms into a minimalist representation with just a few graphic shapes, or his bold, joyful apple and pear prints which you may recognise from Pedro Almodóvar films Broken Embraces and Pain and Glory.

From telescopic floor lamps to chairs, and from conceptual installation-based works to product design and graphics, Mari’s designs span a spectrum of mediums, each imbued with his signature blend of form and function. His perpetual calendars are a staple in many designer’s homes and offices, and timeless furniture pieces have found a place in all kinds of homes worldwide.

Yet, Mari’s impact extends beyond design aesthetics; he was a pioneer of sustainability and accessibility, envisioning a society where design serves as a catalyst for positive change. His groundbreaking work, such as the Autoprogettazione manual, laid the groundwork for an “open-source” approach to furniture making, empowering individuals to engage actively in the design process. “Form was everything for him, but he wanted to create, through these forms, models for a different society” says co-curator Hans Ulrich Obrist.

As you navigate through the exhibition, you’ll encounter tributes from other designers and artists, and a free display on the museum’s balcony where thirteen contemporary designers such as Jasper Morrison, Studiomama and Michael Marriott display select pieces of their work which demonstrate how their practice has been inspired by Mari’s thinking or his legacy. The grand finale is a hanging neon series of animals, and abstract blocks of colour on the wall which represent his initials ‘EM’.

Join us in celebrating the life and work of Mari, a luminary whose passion for design transcends time and borders. Enzo Mari the exhibition, curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist with Francesca Giacomelli, awaits until September 8th, 2024.

WIN YOUR TICKETS TO THE ENZO MARI EXHIBITION!

Be one of the next four people to join Film and Furniture as paid members, and you’ll automatically be offered a pair of tickets worth £40 to this extraordinary exhibition. With paid membership tiers starting from just £50 per year for Front Row access and £250 per year for Backstage perks, there’s never been a better time to join our community. Secure your chance to win tickets for you and your guest to immerse yourself in the world of Enzo Mari – join us today!

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This feature is FREE to Classic members.

To access in-depth features, video interviews, tickets to F&F events, giveaway draws, invitations to pre-release film screenings, major exhibitions and more, become a Front Row or Backstage member today!