Molto Bello at The Heide Museum of Modern Art explores the impact of Italian industrial and furniture design, showcasing how it brought a sense of style and innovation to homes in cities like Melbourne and Sydney. Covering a 60-year period, the exhibition includes 180 pieces, from works first shown at the 1930 Milan Design Triennale to creations by renowned designers such as Gio Ponti, Carlo Mollino, and Gae Aulenti. It also examines the influence of the Memphis Group’s “anti-design” movement in the 1980s.
This exhibition will have something for everyone. Some rooms I ignored and rushed through then some I couldn’t pull myself away (like the above). There is so much to see. My favourite piece was The Pratt chair designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1984 (pictured above). A design than would transition through all time. The more you stare, the more you see.
I loved the curation and selection of objects and furniture in these two rooms. The Leather Baseball Glove chair is iconic and genius in it’s playful design.
*The leather baseball glove chair featured in the Molto Bello exhibition at the Heide Museum of Modern Art was designed by Jonathan De Pas, Donato D'Urbino, and Paolo Lomazzi in 1970. Known as the "Joe" chair, it was inspired by baseball legend Joe DiMaggio's glove and was first presented at the 10th Salone del Mobile in Milan.
Morto Bello with run until 25th March 2025.