100 years of Fornasetti

Whimsical design maison Forrnasetti just celebrated its 100 years with an exhibition entitled "100 years of Practical Madness," at Milan's Triennale Design Museum. The exhibit, a tribute to Fornasetti's founder, the late Piero Fornasetti, was curated by his son and current head of the atelier, Barnaba Fornasetti. The exhibit presents an overview of the late creator's oeuvre, from his time as a painter to his vast creation of surrealist-tinged ornaments, including his trademark plates. Present in the pieces are his multiple renditions of the iconic Fornasetti female face of Lina Calvieri, an opera singer from the 19th century whose photograph had transfixed Piero. Hers was a classical face, and it was this classicism that has always served as Fornasetti's point of departure, hence his consistent use of fine elements such as porcelain as base along with timeless decorative design touches.

What is uniquely Fornasetti is the eclectic and whimsical interplay of elements, creating a unique, slightly off-kitler experience. The end result, is an unforgettable and magical sense of space.