Renowned Italian designer and architect Gaetano Pesce, celebrated for his vibrant and playful furniture, passed away at the age of 84, as announced on his official Instagram page on Thursday.
The New York-based designer had faced health challenges over the past year, yet he maintained a positive and curious outlook, according to the statement released.
In the realm of art, design, and architecture, Pesce made an indelible mark over six decades, revolutionizing these fields with his daring and original creations.
One of his most iconic designs was the “Up” chairs, characterized by their pliable, anthropomorphic forms crafted from foam and stretch fabric. Notably, these chairs, particularly one resembling a voluptuous woman, symbolized the theme of women’s subjugation by men, tethered to a spherical footstool.
Pesce leaves behind his children, family, and admirers, with his legacy of uniqueness, creativity, and a profound message embodied in his art.
Born in La Spezia in 1939, Pesce studied architecture in Venice and pursued a distinguished teaching career spanning nearly three decades in various cities worldwide, including Strasbourg, Pittsburgh, Milan, Hong Kong, Sao Paulo, and New York.
Though he made New York City his home in 1980, Pesce’s influence extends globally, with his work showcased in prestigious museums such as MoMA, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Pompidou Centre in Paris.
