1.
Enzo MARI
Born in Novara in 1932, Enzo Mari studied at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan, and since the 1950s has produced several hundred projects for Italian and foreign companies. He exhibited in various contemporary art museums, then explored design, while continuing to take part in the Venice Biennale and the Milan Triennale. His work is characterised by a perpetual search for new forms and our relationship with objects. With the Animali puzzle, Enzo Mari began his collaboration with Danese, which would see the birth of other future classics such as the Formosa calendar. He went on to work with other design brands such as Driade and Alessi, and embarked on creative projects with some of the biggest names in design, including Ettore Sottsass, Gae Aulenti and Joe Colombo. He designs everyday objects, from simple trays (Elisabetta) to desk accessories (the Ameland letter opener). Enzo Mari has been awarded the "Compasso d'Oro" three times, and his work is shown in major museums such as the "Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna" in Rome, the "Moderna Museet" in Stockholm and the "Stedelijk Museum" in Amsterdam. In 1983, a major exhibition was held at the University of Parma. He now teaches at the Universities of Parma and Milan, and gives lectures in various countries.