Hundred is the key number. The great Master Achille Castiglioni would have celebrated his hundredth birthday on 16th February. A hundred of the most representative exponents from the world of contemporary design paid homage to him on this historic date. A hundred “anonymous objects” donated to create the exhibition 100×100 Achille.
The significance of this particular anniversary and above all the eclectic and extraordinary personality of the honoured person, has inevitably resulted in a truly special celebration. The exhibition project promoted by Fondazione Achille Castiglioni, founded by Giovanna and Carlo Castiglioni, both tirelessly and passionately committed to recounting their father since 2006, is located in Piazza Castello 27, Milan, once home to Achille’s studio.
Famous showcases brimming with anonymous objects passionately and meticulously safeguarded by the architect, as appreciation for their innovation, simplicity and functionality, including camping wardrobes containing a hundred “anonymous” objects donated by just as many international exponents of contemporary design, all invited to take part in this collective and highly evocative exhibition. The criteria for such exhibits is that they are not signed and are of untraceable origin, things we see and use every day, accompanied by a birthday card positioned on the wall in front of objects on display.
Objects include a perch for birds donated by the Bouroullec brothers, a cake mould from Cristina Celestino, a foldable hanger from Michele De Lucchi, gardening gloves from Naoto Fukasawa. Pier Lissoni submitted a set of bonsai scissors, Alessandro Mendini a “Bergamino” shepherd’s hat, Jasper Morrison a broach, Marcel Wanders a paper garland, and the list continues.
The firm Calvi Brambilla designed the set-up (curated by Chiara Alessi and Domitilla Dardi), using and revoking the master’s method of synthesis and lightness, resulting in a set that is highly congenial to an exhibition which will travel throughout the country and the world.
The “anonymous objects” will then be collected in a catalogue edited by Corraini.
Achille Castiglioni in studio, 1995 © foto Gianluca Widmer
