Back to the 80s: The Memphis Group’s Revolutionary and Fun Designs on Show in Hong Kong
Novalis Contemporary Art Design, Wan Chai 
Why We Recommend it
Described as bizarre”, “misunderstood”, “loathed”, and “a shotgun wedding between Bauhaus and Fisher-Price”, the works of Italian design and architecture company The Memphis Group are (in)famous all around the world. Some of their most important art pieces will be on show in Hong Kong for a limited period of time, and one of the group’s former members will attend the exhibition.
Description
The Memphis Group was an Italian design and architecture group founded in Milan by Italian designer and architect Ettore Sottsass in 1981. The group, consisting of 16 creatives, designed Postmodern furniture, fabrics, ceramics, glass and metal objects from 1981 to 1987, and disbanded a year later. Their name was inspired by the Bob Dylan Song Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again, which had been played repeatedly throughout the evening on which the group’s members first came together. They made a highly acclaimed debut at the 1981 Salone del Mobile of Milan, the world’s most prestigious furniture fair.
The Memphis group’s works are inspired by movements such as Art Deco and Pop Art. Their designs are ephemeral, often featuring colourful decoration and asymmetrical shapes, and nods and winks to 1950s Kitsch and futuristic themes.
Novalis Gallery will play host to a special event as a part of the BODW. On December 7, one of The Memphis Group’s members, Michele De Lucchi, will attend the exhibition in person.
Details
When: 1 Dec 2017 - 9 Dec 2017 Where: Novalis Contemporary Art Design – G/F, 5 Sau Wa Fong – Wan Chai
