2019 has been a year of huge losses for the contemporary art and design field. Alessandro Mendini (16 August 1931, Milan – 18 February 2019, Milan) was a talented Italian designer and architect. He played an important role in the evolution of Italian, Postmodern, and Radical design. He worked not only as an artist, but also for the magazines Casabella, Modo and Domus.
“K2 Sofa” by Alessandro Mendini. Is is was idealized and made especially for A Lot Of is derived from a new interpretation of the Kandissi Sofa, from 1979. The dimensions underwent alterations, as well as some shapes and proportions. It was thought for a serial production and features different and new mateials: Lacquer, Amazonian wood and polyethylene. Photo: ©archiexpo
Chairs (1983) by Alessandro Mendini. Made of laminated wood. Photo: ©iCollector
His unique designs were marked by his intense interest in merging different cultures and diverse forms of expression. He created graphics, furniture, interiors, paintings and architecture and even wrote several articles and books. He was well-known as an enthusiastic jury’s member in architectural competitions for young designers. He also taught at the University of Milan.
“Groninger Museum” (1994) by Alessandro Mendini. Photo: ©Heather Tucker
“Chaise Longue Alex” by Alessandro Mendini. Photo: ©Cambi Auction House
Mendini graduated from Politecnico di Milano in 1959 with a degree in architecture and worked as a designer with Marcello Nizzoli. He was the editor-in-chief of Domus magazine from 1979 to 1985 and changed the scenery of modern design through his iconic postmodernism’s works, such as the Proust Armchair and the Groninger Museum.
“Proust Armchair” by Alessandro Mendini. Made of rotational-moulded polyethylene. Photo: ©Jane Richards Interiors
Armchair with hand-carved and hand-painted wooden frame, upholstered with fixed multicolor fabric matching the base colors. This armchair is the reincarnation of one of the historic pieces of contemporary Italian design. Photo: ©archiexpo
Just as works of the Renaissance period expressed human values and feelings, Mendini contributed to bringing into the heart of design those “morals” and “sensibilities” which were eclipsed by commercialism and functionalism. He collaborated with leading international brands including Cartier, Hermes, Swarovski, Venini, and Supreme.
“Cavallino” (2010) by Alessandro Mendini. Photo: ©Klatmagazine
“Pappera Side Table” by Alessandro Mendini. Made out of injected alluminum in the shape of a goose, the piece has a glass top. Photo: ©archiexpo
His endless dedication and passion lasted until his death in 2019, he worked at his own workshop in Milan, the Atelier Mendini with his younger brother Francesco Mendini.
“Cetonia” (1980s) chest of drawers by Alessandro Mendini. Made of wood. Photo: ©Design Market
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