Enzo Mari (1932-2020)

The designer, who studied at the ‘‘Accademia delle Belle Arti’’ in Milan, and alongside his studies, in the fifties he had already developed an intense artistic production, with personal and collective exhibitions at galleries and contemporary art museums. At the same time, he also began his design work, at first as personal, formal research, and later in collaboration with numerous industrial companies, in the graphics and publishing, industrial products and exhibition fittings sectors.
His work was internationally acclaimed and considered to be among the most representative of Italian design. It was distinguished by constant research and experimentation with new product forms and meanings, often set in contrast with the traditional norms of industrial design.
His unique position as an artist-cum-designer was documented in the many publications dedicated to his work, and in his participation in major institutions, including ADI – the Italian industrial design association, of which he was president from 1976 to 1979.
He was awarded three times with the Compasso d’Oro, and his art works and objects are included in the collections of several contemporary art museums.