ALPHA CENTAURI

Colorful, bright, and at times wild, Memphis glass pieces are true works of art with a powerfully expressive and creative edge.

Many stories lie behind a Memphis glass object. It reveals the world of Murano—that of glass crafted by hand using traditional free-blowing and mold-blowing techniques by skilled master glassmakers—connected to the magic of glassmaking, which is reinterpreted in an innovative way by Memphis designers who experiment unorthodoxly with the material, introducing new techniques such as chemical bonding. These sculptures become true cult objects, prized by passionate collectors, scholars, and designers around the world.

The forms designed by Sottsass, De Lucchi, and Marco Zanini embodied technical innovation that was decidedly groundbreaking for the time, with bold shapes and visually striking colors. From the first production runs in 1982, it was clear that the intricate glass geometries proposed by Memphis could not be worked and assembled using traditional hot-forming techniques due to the high labor costs involved. Therefore, an alternative solution was needed, using a transparent glue to create the bonds and "cold" joints to consolidate the small glass structures. The color range was further expanded in 1986 with the second collection: the interpenetration of the forms became functional to achieve varying transparencies. Research focused heavily on the finishes of each glass object, experimenting with solutions such as transparent and opaque finishes with countless color variations.

New “domestic idols”, magical objects, Memphis glasses with their often anthropomorphic shapes have fun presenting us with enigmas.

Marco Zanini graduated with a degree in Architecture from the University of Florence in 1976 and completed his studies in the United States. In 1977, he began collaborating with Ettore Sottsass in Milan. Zanini began designing for Memphis in 1981, creating works for all its collections. He designs ceramics, jewelry, furniture, and blown glass objects. Co-founder of Sottsass Associati with Sottsass, he serves as Design Manager for numerous projects: office furniture for well-known brands, residential interiors, showroom interiors, exhibition displays, street furniture, and industrial products for a wide range of clients in Italy and abroad. He works as an architect and designer in Japan, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Colombia, Chile, and Spain. His work is exhibited in numerous museums and private collections. Zanini frequently lectures on industrial design. He currently lives and works in São Paulo, Brazil.

H 37 cm; 6 Kg