Memphis - Ettore Sottsass

Memphis - Ettore Sottsass

Memphis and Ettore Sottsass

  • The Memphis movement was a radical design movement that broke away from the norm and standards of the 1980s.

  • It was influenced by styles and movements such as Art Deco, Pop Art, and Futurism.

  • The Memphis Group was founded by Ettore Sottsass, an Italian designer and architect.

  • Recognised as a significant entity in the world of design, Memphis sought to challenge the ‘good taste’ of mainstream design.

  • Their work was often characterised by the use of vibrant colours, abstract shapes, and bold, dramatic designs.

Key Features of Memphis Design

  • Memphis design often incorporates vivid, contrasting colours, bold geometric shapes, and unusual materials.

  • Products created by the Memphis group often seem playful, even childlike.

  • Patterns are oftentimes whimsical, with various colour combinations and abstract shapes.

  • The group often used laminate for their furniture design, which was considered a kitsch or low-grade material, but enabled them to apply a wide range of vibrant patterns.

Impact of Memphis Design

  • The work of Memphis, and of Sottsass, had a profound influence on the development of products in the 1980s and beyond.

  • The unconventional and vibrant design language of Memphis opposed the minimalist ideals that were popular at that time.

  • The Memphis design movement can be seen as a reaction against the status quo and a push towards individuality and expression.

  • It set a precedent for designers to consider the emotional and aesthetic experience of products in addition to their utility.

Memphis Design in Modern Day

  • Even though the group disbanded in 1988, the legacy of the Memphis design movement continues today.

  • Memorable and influential, Memphis has made a resurgence in recent years, particularly in interior design, where it is now embraced for its bold creativity.

  • It has influenced contemporary designers to incorporate abstract forms, unconventional materials, and colourful patterns into their work.

  • Memphis design serves as a reminder of the power of design to disrupt norms and shift perceptions and values.