Gae Aulenti, a woman who dares
Auteur : Axelle | 06-26-2010
As Philippe Delerm said it so well in his book La Première Gorgée de Bière (The First Sip of Beer), there are aromas, tastes, perfumes, or even objects which evoke a sense of sweet nostalgia....that of our childhood....
When I was 5 years old, I was surrounded by typical 1970's interior design at home. In our living room, I always recall a specific piece: a table lamp with a black metal stand and topped with a hat-like form with 4 flower petals. The light was soft and warm but most of all it was the highlight of the room, much like a sculpture that reigns in the living room.
Pipistrello, 1965-1966
Many years later I discovered just who the designer was behind the lamp, a talented Italian woman at that, by the name of Gae Aulenti. This famous lamp from my childhood has become a design classic. Its' name: "il Pipistrello", which means bat (the animal) in Italian. So naturally with my first savings, I bought myself an "il pipistrello" in white.....(a nice way to cut the ambilical cord from mom and dad ;-) !)
A few years later, after finally disposing of my wheeled Ikea coffee table, I was on my way to find a replacement.
There I was searching all the design boutiques in town.... until I litterally fell on an unusual table that vaguely ressembled my Ikea table. The moment I saw it, I knew exactly what I needed!!! I asked who the designer was and to my surprise it was Gae Aulenti....Once again I was under her avant-garde charm and sought THE object of my desire: a very thick-glass table imbedded with 4 cart wheels. Very creative, very daring!
Fontana Arte, Tavolo 2652, 1980
Undoubtedly, Gae Aulenti was a designer who knew how to bring about daring design change to everyday furniture within interior design.
While researching a bit further, I found that some of her most celebrated works are on display at the Centre Georges Pompidou. So for those of you, like me, who are sensitive to Gae's creativity, you must visit this museum!
Here are some snapshots during my last trip to Paris, which surely will entice you to go yourself.....
Tour Fontana Arte, 1993
Patroclo, 1975
King sun, 1967
Latest articles