Gaetano Pesce was of a generation of Italian architects who in the early 1960s rebelled against the industrial perfection of modernism by conceiving new furniture and objects that were at once expressive and eccentric in form; or you might say they were more like art than functionalist design.
Born in the picturesque coastal Italian city of La Spezia in 1939, Pesce was a precocious talent who could have forged a career as an artist but opted instead to go to Venice to study architecture because, as he has said, it was “the most complex of all the arts.” Rather than having new worlds opened to him at design school, however, Pesce found the rationalist curriculum oppressive in its insistence on standardization and prescribed materials and technologies.
Pesce wanted to explore the latest of both materials and technologies to create objects and buildings never before imagined, with what he called “personalities” that spoke to the issues of the day. He was keen to examine ways to diversify mass production so that each manufactured work could be distinct.
In 1964, Pesce met Cesare Cassina, of the forward-looking furniture company C&B Italia in Milan (now known as B&B Italia), for whom he would create many important designs, beginning with a collection of what he called “transformational furniture” — two chairs and a loveseat — made entirely out of high-density polyurethane foam. To make the pieces easy to ship and cost-efficient, he proposed that after being covered in a stretch jersey, they be put in a vacuum, then heat-sealed flat between vinyl sheets. Once the foam was removed from its packaging, the piece returned to its original shape — hence, the name Up for the series, which debuted in 1969.
In addition to these pieces, Pesce proposed for the collection something he referred to as an “anti-armchair,” which took the shape of a reclining fertility goddess, the iconic Donna.
Producing the piece's complex form turned out to be a technical challenge. Bayer, the foam’s manufacturer, deemed it impossible to accomplish. Pesce persisted and came up with a new procedure, demonstrating not only the designer’s key role in researching the nature and potential of new materials but also his vital importance in “doubting rules.” The Up chair and accompanying ottoman were born, and they were revolutionary in more ways than one.
In the early 1970s, Pesce began exploring one of his key concepts, the idea of the industrial originals. Employing a mold without air holes, and adding a blood-red dye to the polyurethane, he cast a bookcase that resembled a demolished wall, the rough edges of the shelves and posts resulting from fissures in the material made by trapped air.
Through his research into polyurethane, Pesce figured out a way to make a loveseat and armchair using only a simple wood frame and strong canvas covering as a mold. Since the fabric developed random folds during the injection process, the pieces were similar but not identical. Cassina named the suite of furnishings Sit Down and introduced it in 1975. By experimenting with felt soaked in polyurethane and resin, Pesce conceived I Feltri, another collection of armchairs introduced by Cassina in 1987.
Pesce went on to live a life that defied expectation and convention and along the way became one of the most seminal figures in art and design.
Find vintage Gaetano Pesce chairs, sofas, vases and more on 1stDibs.
Meritalia Some of Us Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Metal
Mid-Century Chromocinetic Table Lamp by Gaetano Pesce, 1974
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Palermo, IT
A stunning masterpiece of mid-century Italian design, this rare "chromocinetic" sculptural lamp from circa 1974 is a quintessential example of the Space Age aesthetic. The piece feat...
Blown Glass, Resin
Edizioni del Pesce Ghost Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Metal
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Alda Big Floor Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alda is the name of Gaetano Pesce's mother: this luminous object intensely shows the emotional value of Edizioni del Pesce. Emotional and also sensorial value: Alda is adorned with a...
Resin
Rare Gaetano Pesce Resin Lamp
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Austin, TX
Rare post modern resin lamp by collectible artist Gaetano Pesce from his Olo series. "Olo" translates to "feeling" in English. Transformer and bulb...
Resin
Meritalia Alda Lamp, Big by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Metal
Meritalia Alda Lamp, Small by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Metal
Meritalia Moss Lamp / Black by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Metal
Meritalia Chadore Lamp / Yellow, Red and Blue by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Salvatore Table Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
All of Gaetano Pesce’s poetics are both sacred and profane: Salvatore is a witness to this tendency. The luminous object has the shape of a man standing upright, with his arms open a...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Chador Multicolor Floor Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by the traditional Persian garment, the luminous object Chador has a straight and simple shape. Chador is available in two different hues: the combination of the primary col...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Salvatore Table Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
All of Gaetano Pesce’s poetics are both sacred and profane: Salvatore is a witness to this tendency. The luminous object has the shape of a man standing upright, with his arms open a...
Resin
Fuoco Table Lamp by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Italy, 2000s.
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Lille, FR
Fuoco Lamp by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, 2007. Signed and Boxed
Resin
Meritalia Love Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Metal
Meritalia Moss Lamp / White by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Metal
Meritalia Cloud Lamp / Blue, Yellow and Orange by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Some Of Us Floor Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A face delicately outlined on a resin surface, with two holes as eyes: the luminous object Some of us is truly recognizable in the fabulous history of Edizioni del Pesce. Gaetano Pes...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce - some of us lamp by Open Sky - signed & dated
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
rare lamp from the series "some of us" for the 2002 New York exhibition. From this series only a few were made by Gaetano Pesce himself in his Studio. The others were made by Merita...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Salvatore Table Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
All of Gaetano Pesce’s poetics are both sacred and profane: Salvatore is a witness to this tendency. The luminous object has the shape of a man standing upright, with his arms open a...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Friend Floor Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A perfect example of the narrative potential of Edizioni del Pesce, Friend presents itself as a friendly character with imaginative lines and shiny shoes. Thanks to the skillful use ...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Chador Monocolor Floor Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by the traditional Persian garment, the luminous object Chador has a straight and simple shape. Chador is available in two different hues: the combination of the primary col...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Chador Multicolor Floor Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by the traditional Persian garment, the luminous object Chador has a straight and simple shape. Chador is available in two different hues: the combination of the primary col...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Alda Small Floor Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alda is the name of Gaetano Pesce's mother: this luminous object intensely shows the emotional value of Edizioni del Pesce. Emotional and also sensorial value: Alda is adorned with a...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Chador Table Lamp From The Open Sky Series
By Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design
Located in Kansas City, MO
Multicolored Chador Table Lamp From The Open Sky Series designed by Gaetano Pesce. Made of Resin, very sturdy. The Open Sky series was produced in a very limited edition for Fish De...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Light from the Open Sky Collection, 1999
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Exceptionally rare light by resin maestro Gaetano Pesce from his “Open Sky” collection, 1999. Good overall condition with age-related wear.
Resin
Salvatore lamp, Gaetano Pesce, Open Sky, 1999
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
lampe Salvatore de Gaetano Pesce, Seroe Open Sky, 1999 Dimensions: 33 × 16 × 50cm
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Table Lamp "Abat-Jour", 1995
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, ES
Table Lamp Model "Abat-Jour" by Gaetano Pesce Manufactured by Fish Design Italy, 1995 Cast Polyurethane over steel wire frame with three resin feet 30 cm diameter x 50h cm 11,8 in...
Steel
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Some Of Us Floor Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A face delicately outlined on a resin surface, with two holes as eyes: the luminous object Some of us is truly recognizable in the fabulous history of Edizioni del Pesce. Gaetano Pes...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Friend Floor Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A perfect example of the narrative potential of Edizioni del Pesce, Friend presents itself as a friendly character with imaginative lines and shiny shoes. Thanks to the skillful use ...
Resin
$12,000
Gaetano Pesce Olo Lamp
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Naples, FL
Monumental table lamp by the Maestro himself. Fully functional and all original in excellent condition. Signed and numbered.
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Chador Monocolor Floor Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by the traditional Persian garment, the luminous object Chador has a straight and simple shape. Chador is available in two different hues: the combination of the primary col...
Resin
Lamp "Fuoco" by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, 2000s
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Gaetano Pesce fuoco lamp for Meritalia. Very few items edited. Molded manufacturer's mark and signature to rooftop written : ‘L’architettura astratta ripetitiva standard globalizzante e legna da ardere? Gaetano Pesce Meritalia...
Epoxy Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Love Table Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
As if shot directly from Cupid’s bow, the arrow that forms the structure of Love unites two red hearts and ends its trajectory at the base of the object. Gaetano Pesce, particularly ...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Moss Table Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A luminous object available in black and white, Moss is a tribute to Murray Moss and his irregular and perforated objects. Thanks to the special consistency of silicone, when you gen...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Alda Big Floor Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alda is the name of Gaetano Pesce's mother: this luminous object intensely shows the emotional value of Edizioni del Pesce. Emotional and also sensorial value: Alda is adorned with a...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Ghost Table Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Another ironic character in the “series” of stories by Edizioni del Pesce, the luminous object Ghost features colorful and shiny resin as its main material. Carefully spread, clearly...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Friend Floor Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A perfect example of the narrative potential of Edizioni del Pesce, Friend presents itself as a friendly character with imaginative lines and shiny shoes. Thanks to the skillful use ...
Resin
20th Century, Gaetano Pesce Table Lamp mod. Olo
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Turin, Turin
Gaetano Pesce's works are generally eccentric, modern and carry a concept of "happening," which is the transformation of the object. Experimenter of different forms and materials, hi...
Epoxy Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Moss Table Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A luminous object available in black and white, Moss is a tribute to Murray Moss and his irregular and perforated objects. Thanks to the special consistency of silicone, when you gen...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Ghost Table Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Another ironic character in the “series” of stories by Edizioni del Pesce, the luminous object Ghost features colorful and shiny resin as its main material. Carefully spread, clearly...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Cloud Wall Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Cloud by Gaetano Pesce appears as a luminous wall object, suggestive and striking. With its rounded shape and with a vague transparency on the surface, Cloud really seems to carry th...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Cloud Wall Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Cloud by Gaetano Pesce appears as a luminous wall object, suggestive and striking. With its rounded shape and with a vague transparency on the surface, Cloud really seems to carry th...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Cloud Wall Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Cloud by Gaetano Pesce appears as a luminous wall object, suggestive and striking. With its rounded shape and with a vague transparency on the surface, Cloud really seems to carry th...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Alda Small Floor Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alda is the name of Gaetano Pesce's mother: this luminous object intensely shows the emotional value of Edizioni del Pesce. Emotional and also sensorial value: Alda is adorned with a...
Resin
$10,000
Gaetano Pesce Moss Lamp 2009
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Naples, FL
Rare Gaetano Pesce "Moss" lamp originally designed as a tribute to Murray Moss. Edizione del Pesce for Meritalia circa 2009. The lamp appears to be a solid structure, but is complete...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Moonshine wall sconce 1999
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Naples, FL
Rare wall sconce by Gaetano Pesce Studio, New York. This example was originally hardwired but has been rewired with a plug and switch for more functionality. A functional sculpture t...
Steel