Up armchair by Gaetano Pesce: a design icon
Designed in 1969, Gaetano Pesce’s Up series continues to be one of the most striking expressions of design, known for its expressive shapes upholstered in stretchy fabric. This innovative solution, which bridges the gap between design and art, is designed for a wide audience and is based on B&B Italia’s extensive technological experience in polyurethane injection molding.
The UP5_6 Armchair: Icon of Innovation and Meaning
Among the chairs in the series, the iconic UP5_6 stands out prominently. With its unmistakable anthropomorphic references, the UP5_6 resembles a large metaphorical belly, reminiscent of ancient statues of fertility goddesses. However, this innovative design has more: a spherical ottoman tied to the chair contrasts comfort and convenience with a figurative representation of a woman with a ball and chain tied to her foot.
Gaetano Pesce described the project as follows: “At that time, I tried to tell a personal story about my concept of woman: believing that women have always been, involuntarily, like their own prison guards. shape of a woman with a ball and chain, reflecting the traditional image of a prisoner.”
Junior version and other pieces from the series
The UP5_6 armchair is also available in a junior version for children aged 3 and over, offering a perfectly faithful replication of the original design, only on a smaller scale. In addition to the armchair, the series includes the UP7 “foot”, a large sculptural object in painted polyurethane that resembles an archaeological relic from the modern era.
In 2022, Gaetano Pesce’s UP series received the XXVII Compasso d’Oro ADI – Lifetime Achievement Award for Product Design, confirming its excellence and innovations in the field of design.
Conclusion
The Up armchair by Gaetano Pesce is not just a piece of furniture, but a work of art that tells a profound story about the female condition and modern design. With its bold, innovative design, the Up series continues to inspire and challenge perceptions, solidifying its place as an icon of 20th century design.
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[…] in 1969, Gaetano Pesce’s Up series continues to be one of the most striking expressions of design, known for its expressive forms […]
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