Exhibition "100 Objects of Italian Design" from the Permanent Collection of La Triennale di Milano (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad - October 2007 - January 2008)

16/10/2007 -

The itinerant exhibition ‘100 Objects of Italian Design’, presented by the Embassy of Italy to India, the Italian Cultural Institute in New Delhi and La Triennale di Milano, was inaugurated in Delhi on October the 10th by the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Massimo D’Alema, and Smt. Ambika Soni, Minister for Tourism and Culture.




Italians are world-renowned for their creativity, innovative streak, precision and technique in design and art. Immensely gifted Italian designers have evolved timeless creations in the fields of fashion and lifestyle, architecture, and sculpture. And bringing you an assortment of these timeless, unmatched creations is ‘100 Objects of Italian Design’ – excerpts from the Permanent Collection at the La Triennale di Milano, the most premier Italian institute in the sector of architecture, visual and decorative arts, design, fashion and audio/video production.

The exhibition showcases a selection of some of the most meaningful objects of Italian design, ranging from the post-war period up to the present, and includes all creations that have marked and transformed the Italian way of life and modern culture and inspired creativity itself. Varying from the early mass-produced objects of the 1940s and 50s, through the rigorous modernism of the 60s and 70s, up to the experimenting with form of the 80s and 90s, the exhibition will display a great collection of unique and unparalleled creations, including ‘one-of-a-kind’ items, such as the Vespa scooter, the Olivetti typewriter and the Grillo telephone, the Blow armchair and the Tizio lamp.The result is a diversified and fascinating picture that provides an account of the evolution of one of the most important sectors of Italian contemporary culture and of its economy. It is not just history of objects and ideas, but also of companies and designers, of aesthetics and technologies, all fused into a harmonious union of absolute excellence and indisputable originality.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon Minister, Massimo D’Alema, said, “Both India and Italy are countries that boast a rich culture and tradition. Indian art and fine art and ancient Indian sculpture have been instrumental in inspiring contemporary art. Similarly, the Italians are world-renowned designers in the field of architecture, urban design, fashion, textile, industrial and home design among others. We are very proud to bring the 100 Objects of Italian Design exhibition to India, as a step towards closer cooperation between our two countries in fields in which we are both looking for innovative ways to combine the freedom of artistic expression with the needs of the market”

Also speaking at function, Smt. Ambika Soni, said, “For centuries have the Italians inspired art and design the world over. India too has a rich heritage of some of the most individualistic and iconic art and design. The two countries – India and Italy – share a special connection by way of pride in their legacy and their deep-rooted bonds with art and design. We welcome the exhibition to India and hope that this would establish a strong alliance inspiring integration of art and design from the two countries and the revival of ancient aesthetics”

“The exhibition shows how design matches with the history of industrial production in Italy, being it a result of a close cooperation between companies and designers” – pointed our Dr. Andrea Cancellato, Director General, La  Triennale di Milano - “The pieces in the Collection illustrate the innovation and experimentation that have made Italian design the distinctive trademark of “Made in Italy” and of Italian industry in the world” 

Also present at the event were, Mr. Antonio Armellini, Ambassador of Italy to India, Prof. Patrizia Raveggi, Director, Italian Cultural Institute, Arch. Silvana Annicchiarico, Director, Triennale Design Museum, and Dr. Thomas Berloffa, designer.The exhibition will be resident at the Lalit Kala Academy from Oct 10th to Oct 24st.

Thereafter, the exposition will travel to Mumbai, Bangalore and Ahmedabad before returning to Italy.

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