JUNE 2019
DIMOREGALLERY presented a unique immersion in masterpieces from the last century at Design Miami/ Basel, headlined by special pieces by Piero Portaluppi — one of the most important Italian architects, urbanologists and academics — created between 1926 and 1929 for a private house.
A sideboard, a dining table and a low table designed by this legendary creator were the protagonists of the set-up: displayed in a line up and surrounded by striking furnishings which share Portaluppi’s unique style, eclectic approach, and aesthetics, spanning different influences deriving from Art Déco, late Baroque, Modernism, and Rationalism. The rigorous symmetry and monumental presence was particularly visible in Antti Nurmesniemi armchairs, late baroque decorative elements stood out in Osvaldo Borsani’s wall lamps, whilst the lamps by Angelo Lelii, as well as the Sarfatti 1901 floor light, reminded the Art Déco decorative elements. Last but not least, the bamboo chairs and candle holder by Gabriella Crespi exuded an eclectic approach.
In dialogue with these historical pieces, referencing Portaluppi’s work, and marking a new collaboration for the Gallery, two pieces by renowned French designer Pierre Marie were featured in the set up. The folding screen in stained glass, commissioned for this project, is inspired by Portaluppi’s sideboard with a contemporary edge. L’Amateur de Parfums tapestry, made using the Aubusson handwoven technique, meets the gallery’s ethos, grounded in craftsmanship and tradition. Pieces from Dimoremilano’s Oggetti collection, such as the Vaso Maniglia glass vase and the Portafiore plant stand, complemented the selection.
Nothing is left to chance. Not even the placement of the pieces: the Dimore duo built a one-point perspective revolving around Piero. The three leading characters were distributed on three different sections following the same central line. Looking at the booth as a painting, visitors could notice how the supporting actors – in this case, the other designers’ objects – created receding parallel lines that appeared to converge towards Piero.
