“The Structures Tremble” Table 1979 by Ettore Sottsass

The Structures Tremble Table
The Structures Tremble Table

Studio Alchymia was founded in 1976 in Milan as a think tank for designers who rebelled against modernism’s functionalist approach. Their products were intended as prototypes or unique exhibits.

Ettore Sottsass | “The Structures Tremble” | The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Studio Alchymia was founded in 1976 in Milan as a think tank for designers rebelling against the functionalist approach of modernism. Their products were intended as prototypes or unique exhibition pieces. The Structures Tremble is a perfect example of Alchymia’s philosophy.

A perfect example of Alchymia’s philosophy is The Structures Tremble designed by Ettore Sottsass. Consisting of every day, even banal, materials, the table becomes an art object through its design, transforming whatever is shown on top of it. The piece embodies the ironic qualities that would characterise Memphis’ furniture a few years later. The glass and steel tubes nod to the Bauhaus. Still, their undulations and pastel colours give the table a decidedly anti-modernist twist. After only one year, Sottsass left Studio Alchymia as he differed from the group in his opinion on mass production.

Source

metmuseum.org. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/484945.

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