Ettore Sottsass, Sottsass' Tahiti Lamp (1981)

Sottsass' Tahiti Lamp 1981

Content:

I would describe this piece as unusual, abstract and intriguing. It is of a lamp which has been created differently than the common lamps at the time. This piece is imagined, as it what a lamp would commonly look like and has imagined features and bold colours. Sottsass has tried to achieve an abstract and uncommon piece of furniture, to break away from the rigid standards of furniture in the 1980's. This piece is abstracted to give an abnormal effect on the viewer and at the time, would have opened people up to different perspectives of how art and sculpture/furniture could be. 

Formal Elements:

Sottsass has used very simple shapes along with light and bright colours to create a simple yet creative and bold statement piece towards the Memphis group. In this lamp, Sottsass' 'Bacterio' pattern is used on the base, which is a confetti-like pattern that he designed in 1978. This piece has been arranged to look similar to a lamp, however, also look very different from a normal lamp and to have more decorative qualities than functional. The lamp is a build up of contrasts as it has contrasting colours and shapes together. All the colours have equal significance, however, the pattern stands out the most as the rest are single, simple blocked colours. The piece has a few textures as it is made from wood with a plastic laminate cover on it, and the pattern used creates a textured look and effect. 

Process:

The lamp was made from wood with plastic laminate over the top. Sottsass would have cut shapes out of the wood and created a composition. This piece would have been made quickly as it is a factory produced piece, created in mass production. In this piece a skill in sculpture and creative thinking is clearly expressed.

Mood/Meaning:

Sottsass' lamp gives a happy feeling due to the brighter colours and unique shapes.