Pesce, Gaetano

(1939 - 2024)

Gaetano Pesce was an Italian architect, designer, and artist known for his experimental approach to materials and form. Trained in architecture at the University of Venice, Pesce became involved in the Gruppo EnneA collective, an avant-garde group exploring interdisciplinary design and new media. From the 1960s onward, he worked across disciplines, creating furniture, objects, and interiors that challenged conventional ideas of modern design.

His works are characterized by the use of resin, polyurethane foam, and other unconventional materials, often exploring themes of imperfection, individuality, and political commentary. Notable designs include the “Up” series of armchairs (1969) for B&B Italia, considered a landmark in radical design, as well as numerous one-off and limited-edition pieces produced with international galleries and manufacturers.

Throughout his career, Pesce maintained an interest in architecture and large-scale projects, while his furniture and lighting designs remain influential for their bold color, organic forms, and rejection of uniformity. His work has been exhibited worldwide and is included in the permanent collections of leading institutions such as MoMA, the Centre Pompidou, and the Vitra Design Museum.