Objects of Desire: Surrealism and Design 1924 Today

(Hardback)

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Surrealism expanded our reality by drawing upon myths, dreams, and the subconscious as sources of artistic inspiration. Beginning in the 1930s, the movement made a crucial impact on design, and it continues to inspire designers to this day. Objects of Desire: Surrealism and Design is the first book to document this fascinating conversation. It includes numerous essays and a comprehensive selection of images which traces these reciprocal exchanges by juxtaposing exemplary artworks and design objects. Among the featured artists and designers are Gae Aulenti, Achille Castiglioni, Giorgio de Chirico, Le Corbusier, Salvador Dal, Marcel Duchamp, ntoni Gaud, Frederick Kiesler, Ren Magritte, Carlo Mollino, Meret Oppenheim, and many others. The book is rounded off with historical text material as well as short texts and statements by contemporary designers. This in- depth examination makes one thing abundantly clear: form does not always follow function - it can also follow our obsessions, our fantasies, and our hidden desires.

Reviews

[T]his beautiful book showcases so many works and styles of [surrealism's] many forms.--Natasha Wolff "Forbes"
Presents a selection of bizarre - and often humorous - objects made or influenced by artists associated with surrealism.--Figgy Guyver "Frieze"
Traces how the [Surrealism] gave applied artists and designers not only a new visual vocabulary to draw on but, for some, a creative wellspring--Louis Wustemann "Financial Times"
Until now, [Surrealism] has mostly been associated with dreamy and fantastical visions of painters and sculptors. However, soon after its discovery, the concept reached the world of utility objects and interior design too... Evidence of the movement's timelessness is presented [...] highlighting the breadth of surrealist influences in design from past and present.--Adam Stech "Wallpaper*"