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Face Vase

Dimensions
100.0 x 58.0 cm

Alessandro Mendini's 'Face Vase' is a captivating ceramic sculpture reflecting his postmodern aesthetic and fascination with human representation. Created in 2002, it showcases a blue and red color scheme featuring two eyes, a nose, and a mouth—a deliberate homage to millennia of anthropomorphic art.

Explore the vibrant world of Alessandro Mendini (1931-2019), a pioneer of Italian Postmodern & Radical Design. Known for Proust Armchair, Alchimia collaborations, and challenging architectural designs. Discover his colorful, cultural fusion at WahooA

The artwork displayed on this page is protected by copyright law, which means we cannot legally create or sell an identical reproduction. This protection is enforced under international agreements such as the Berne Convention and by national laws, including those outlined by the U.S. Copyright Law - Title 17.

This method fully complies with copyright regulations because it does not involve copying or duplicating the protected artwork. Instead, it is a creative reinterpretation - a new painting that is influenced by the original but not identical to it.

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. ( Buy Hand Made Painting Switch to Digital Image)

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Total Price

$ 81

Face Vase

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 81

Quick Facts

  • Location: Seoul Museum of Art
  • Dimensions: 100 x 58 cm
  • Notable elements or techniques: Murrine inlay, Hot working
  • Artist: Alessandro Mendini With Alchimia
  • Medium: Ceramic
  • Artistic style: Cultural Fusion

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What is the primary artistic style associated with Alessandro Mendini’s ‘Face Vase’?
Question 2:
The vase utilizes a distinctive color palette featuring which two colors?
Question 3:
Alessandro Mendini collaborated with Studio Alchimia to achieve what artistic goal?
Question 4:
‘Face Vase’ was exhibited prominently in which renowned museum?
Question 5:
What technique is employed to achieve the vase's striking visual contrast between opaque and transparent glass layers?

A Visionary Encounter: The Soul of the Face Vase

In the realm of postmodern design, few objects possess the arresting presence of Alessandro Mendini’s Face Vase. Created in 2002, this ceramic masterpiece is far more than a mere vessel; it is a profound sculptural dialogue between the inanimate and the human spirit. At first glance, the viewer is met with an audacious embrace of cultural fusion, where the delicate traditions of Venetian glassmaking aesthetics meet the bold, experimental energy of contemporary Italian design. The vase serves as a striking visual testament to Mendini’s ability to breathe life into clay, transforming a functional object into a sentient companion.

The sculpture embodies a deliberate reimagining of the human visage, capturing a sense of deep contemplation and introspection. Through meticulously crafted eyes, a nose, and a mouth, the piece conveys an emotional depth that invites the observer to pause and reflect. This anthropomorphic approach was central to Mendini’s philosophy; he believed that by modeling objects in our own image, we create a lasting friendship with the things we surround ourselves with. To possess or display such a piece is to invite a silent, soulful presence into one's space, making it an incomparable centerpiece for those who appreciate art that speaks.

Mastery of Color and Form

The aesthetic brilliance of the Face Vase lies in its masterful use of contrast and texture. The artist employs a striking color palette—a harmonious yet vibrant blend of deep blues and brilliant reds—that creates an immediate, arresting visual impact. This chromatic tension draws the eye across the undulating surfaces of the ceramic, highlighting the precision of the sculpting. Every curve and contour is designed to catch the light, emphasizing the detailed features that give the face its unique character.

Mendini’s collaboration with the Alchimia studio allowed for a groundbreaking approach to materials and technique. This piece represents the pinnacle of such experimental craftsmanship, where the boundaries between fine art and decorative design are intentionally blurred. For the discerning collector or interior designer, the vase offers a sophisticated way to introduce movement and narrative into a room. Whether placed in a minimalist gallery setting or integrated into a lush, eclectic interior, its bold geometry and emotive power command attention, serving as a conversation starter that transcends mere decoration.

A Legacy of Postmodern Innovation

To understand the Face Vase is to understand the radical movement of Italian design. Alessandro Mendini was a pioneer who dared to disrupt established norms, moving away from the rigid functionalism of modernism toward a more playful, expressive, and culturally rich aesthetic. His work, much like this vase, often draws from a vast reservoir of history—from architecture to jewelry—to create something entirely new yet deeply familiar.

The significance of this work is cemented by its presence in prestigious institutions such as the Seoul Museum of Art, marking it as a landmark of postmodern achievement. For those seeking to curate a collection of high-quality reproductions, the Face Vase offers an opportunity to own a fragment of design history. It remains a symbol of an era defined by audacity, reminding us that even the most functional objects can hold a mirror to the human experience, offering beauty, mystery, and an enduring sense of wonder.

Questions & Answers

What are the reproduction rights of "Face Vase" at the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain?

"Face Vase" by Alessandro Mendini With Alchimia, held at the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain, is still protected by copyright. This status determines whether reproductions of the image may be made.

How old was Alessandro Mendini With Alchimia when creating "Face Vase" in 2002?

When "Face Vase" was created in 2002, Alessandro Mendini With Alchimia - born in 1931 - was 71 years old.

Where does "Face Vase" sit within Alessandro Mendini With Alchimia's body of work?

Within Alessandro Mendini With Alchimia's output, "Face Vase" sits in the Postmodern Design style, alongside the themes of cultural fusion, geometric forms, artist vision, design innovation, murrine technique.


Artist Biography

early life and career

alessandro mendini, a renowned italian designer, architect, and artist, was born in milan in 1931. he graduated from politecnico di milano in 1959 with a degree in architecture and went on to work as a designer with marcello nizzoli.

contribution to postmodern design

mendini played a pivotal role in the development of italian, postmodern, and radical design. his work is characterized by his strong interest in mixing different cultures and forms of expression. he created graphics, furniture, interiors, paintings, and architecture, and wrote several articles and books.

notable works and collaborations

* proust armchair, a quintessential work of postmodernism * collaboration with companies such as cartier, gufram, hermès, vacheron constantin, swarovski, and supreme * design of the groninger museum in the netherlands, considered one of the most amazing postmodern buildings of the late 20th century

teaching and jury work

mendini taught at the university of milan and was a renowned member of the jury in architectural competitions for young designers.

legacy

* inducted into the 2022 milan hall of fame (famedio of milan - monumental cemetery) * work showcased in various museums, including the moderne der pinakothek in munich, germany
  • explore more of mendini's work on OriginalUniqueArt.com
  • discover the groninger museum and its significance in postmodern architecture on wikipedia
  • learn about mendini's design philosophy and its impact on the art world through his various publications and interviews on OriginalUniqueArt.com

remembering alessandro mendini with alchimia (1931-2019)

mendini's passing in 2019 marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence designers, architects, and artists around the world. his work remains a testament to the power of postmodern design and its ability to challenge and transform our understanding of art and culture. museo nazionale in palermo, italy, features some of mendini's notable works, offering a glimpse into his innovative design approach. visit OriginalUniqueArt.com to explore more about mendini and other artists who have shaped the world of art and design.

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Alessandro Mendini
  • Nationality: Italian
  • Date Of Birth: 1931
  • Date Of Death: 2019
  • Place Of Birth: Milan, Italy
  • Notable Artworks:
    • Proust Armchair
    • Groninger Museum
    • Lassú chair
  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Postmodern & Radical Design
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
    • Ettore Sottsass Jr.
    • Michele De Lucchi
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist:
    • Radical Design
    • Global Tools
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