Once again, after work, I hopped over to the 92Y to witness two giants of the design world. Curated by Daniella Ohad Smith, the Dialogues with Design Legends series was as always, enlightening and inspirational.
Gaetano Pesce is an architect/designer, well known for his Organic Building in Osaka. He is thought to be responsible for post modernism in Italy. Karim Rashid is an industrial designer whose designs can be found everywhere, including your local drugstore!
This lecture began with an introduction by curator Daniella Ohad Smith and Martin Filler, former editor of House and Garden. Pesce spoke for 10 minutes along with a slideshow of some of his works. His works are very thoughtful, some of them made clear politcal statements. For instance, his UP chair (“emergency chair”) is formed with feminine curves, but is attached to a ball and chain. He likened this to the oppression of women in some cultures, namely women who must wear burkas. Pesce seemed to really care about human rights, and he tries to make those statements in his works. Karim Rashid spoke next, and dedicated the night to his late father. He started with a wonderful story about his father, a set designer. His father would draw a dress for his mother, cut material, sew the dress, and she would wear it that same night for a party. What an inspiration!
After both had a chance to speak, it was time for Filler to moderate a discussion with the two legends. It seems although these designers are from two different generations, they seem to have the same forward-thinking views on design. Both are responsible for innovations in design at different ends of this design era. Both agreed that technology should be embraced, not fought against. They seemed to agree that technology could be used to make truly unique, and one of a kind designs. They foretold of an era of technological customization.
Pesce proposed that instead of a machine being used to make the same product over and over, perhaps it could be used and randomized so that each design was slightly different at each process, making something one-of-a kind. Rashid, during the final audience Q&A portion of the night, made it clear that he embraced technology and adamantly proposed to an anti-establishment audience member, that perhaps there is something more behind these giant brand names. He proposed that if large companies are making life better with design, these companies should prosper. They have developed technologies over time which benefit us, so why shouldn’t they prosper?
Pesce and Rashid are innovative designers, progressive thinkers, and true artists. I recommend a visit to their respective websites and design galleries. At this lecture, I was inspired by Pesce’s bold statements, Rashid’s flexible attitude, and of course, their both of their innovative contributions in design. Another truly inspiring night at the 92Y!
