Enzo mari

a desigN museum tribute

AN EXHIBIT CELEBRATING THE Italian DESIGN PIONEER.

In 2024, the Design Museum, London, held an exhibition showcasing and commemorating the life of Enzo Mari and his contributions to the world of design. Displaying a variety of sketches, finished products, graphic design works and furniture - the collection represented the impact Mari made as one of the greatest designers of the 20th century.

Mari was born in Novara, Italy, in 1932, and was committed as a post-war designer to study the social impact of design - increasing its accessibility.

One of Mari’s most defining theories and projects was the ‘Proposta per un’Autoprogettazione’ (Proposal for self-design) - inviting the public to create furniture based around his own simple designs. Visiting this exhibit highlighted to me how less can often be more - and that there is impact in simplicity.

One of Mari’s most famous works - the apple and pear prints ( Uno, La Mela and Due, La Pera ) is a perfect example of how simplicity can speak volumes. The childish nature of apples and pears, drawn in very minimal detail with a flat texture somehow manages to create a sophisticated and timeless image - a design which appeals to many without any unnecessary pretence. It is now widely recognised as an icon of Modernist Graphic Design.

Mari’s love for simple lines and form can also be seen in his wooden block animals set ( 16 animali - 1957 ). For a toy made in the 1950s, this design was a sharp turn away from the traditional, decorative barbies and doll houses of the time. His influence can be seen by the way many children’s toys today follow a more minimalist and compact nature.