ADI Design Museum presents the exhibition “Dearest Pinocchio, Italian designers and graphic designers redesign the world’s most famous puppet”
On the occasion of the 140th anniversary of the first edition of the book “The Adventures of Pinocchio – Story of a Puppet” by Carlo Collodi, the most translated Italian book in the world, ADI Design Museum presents, from Nov. 30, 2023 until Feb. 4, 2024,, a selection of projects dedicated to the icon that has inspired generations of creatives and thinkers. The exhibition is curated by Giulio Iacchetti with exhibition design by Matteo Vercelloni and graphic design by Federica Marziale Iadevaia.
ADI Design Museum: design meets literature
President Luciano Galimberti explains that Carissimo Pinocchio/Dearest Pinocchio, realized with the contribution of Istituto per il Credito Sportivo, Abet Laminati, and the cultural sponsorship of Fondazione Nazionale Carlo Collodi, “is an occasion to celebrate and celebrate a masterpiece of Italian literature.”
The exhibition features a historical section, curated by Marco Belpoliti, which welcomes the visitor with covers, drawings and historical illustrations. On the other hand, it concludes with a selection of original drawings from one of the last works by Andrea Branzi (Pinocchio? published by Libri Scheiwiller), the recently deceased architect, designer, theorist and undisputed protagonist of the radical avant-garde to whom the exhibition is dedicated. Andrea Branzi, one of the masters of Italian design, in fact, created his own personal vision of Collodi’s famous tale, with one hundred drawings depicting the story of Italy’s best-known puppet.
What to see at Carissimo Pinocchio
The heart of “Carissimo Pinocchio” consists of 62 new projects by 31 designers and 31 graphic designers, specially created for the exhibition. These works are “different expressions of the feeling and making of so many Italian designers: an enlarged, kaleidoscopic, surprising look, able to tell the story of Italian design’s ability to create timeless images and objects, thus celebrating the myth of Geppetto, the first Italian designer!” explains Giulio Iacchetti.
The Pinocchios, conceived thanks to the collaboration of companies, skilled artisans and in some cases self-made, are housed in a large circular carousel. Added to this section is a collection of objects produced by the most important Italian companies and inspired by the Pinocchio icon.
At the end of the presentation in Italy and the subsequent traveling exhibition, the 62 specially made Pinocchios will be auctioned off for charity.
Designers and graphic designers
The 31 designers participating in the exhibition are Antonio Aricò, Alessandra Baldereschi, Luca Boscardin, Sara Bozzini, Matteo Cibic, Carlo Contin, Lorenzo Damiani, Francesco Faccin, Duilio Forte, Alessandra Fumagalli Romario, Massimo Giacon, Alessandro Guerriero, Giulio lacchetti, Luca Madonini, Ambroise Maggiar, Raffaella Mangiarotti, Giacomo Moor, Paola Navone, Lorenzo Palmeri, Franco Raggi, Matteo Ragni, Sara Ricciardi, Elena Salmistraro, Mario Scairato, Valerio Sommella, Ludovico Spataro, Studio Ossidiana, Philippe Tabet, Andrea Vecera, Joe Velluto, Martinelli Venezia.
The 31 graphic designers are About Studio, Gianluca Alla, Andrea Amato, Ascionemagro, Atto – Sara Bianchi, Beatrice Bianchet, Cinzia Bongino, Edda Bracchi e Stefano Cremisini, Mauro Bubbico, Valentina Casali, Monica Casu, Pino De Nicola, Davide Di Gennaro, Lorenzo Fanton, Vitantonio Fosco, Francesco Franchi, Giulio Iacchetti, La Tigre – Luisa Milani, Leftloft, Emilio Salvatore Leo, Multiplo – Luca Fattore, Margherita Paleari, Mauro Panzeri, Mario Piazza, Antonio Romano, Giulia Saporito, Gianfranco Setzu, Leonardo Sonnoli, Studio Grand Hotel – Paolo Berra, Studio Mistaker, Omar Tonella.
Companies and manufacturers
The companies and manufacturers participating in the exhibition are Activa s.r.l, Alessi, Billiani 1911, Bisetti, Bottega Ghianda, Bricheco, Cnc 5 assi – Forbicioni studio, Ebanisteria Meccanica, Emmemobili, Fabbro Arredi, Falegnameria, Elleci s.r.l, Friuli Intagli Industries S.p.A, Legno Parise – Bassano del Grappa, Antonio Manuel, Angelo Mastrandrea, Miocugino, RIVA 1920, Scapin, Somaschini, Vaia, Viganò.
Lastly, the 22 design objects inspired by Pinocchio are made by the following companies:
Geo#2 Sculptures – Fritz Hansen, Jaime Hayon; Pinocchio Mask – Cressi; Mobi Table Lamp – Ale Giorgini, Federico Traverso; Monello wine stopper – E-My, Paolo Iannetti; Pino funnel – Alessi, Stefano Giovannoni, Miriam Mirri; Pinocchietto candle holder – Bosa, Jaime Hayon; Pinocchio Christmas ornament – Alessi, Massimo Giacon, Marcello Jori; Pinocchio corkscrew – Alessi, Alessandro Mendini; Pinocchio Book End – Danese, Alfredo Häberli; Pinocchio coffee pot – Ancap; Pinocchio candle holder – Opinion Ciatti, Maurizio Galante, Tal Lancmanper; Pinocchio carafe – Massimo Lunardon; Pinocchio push pin – Duncan Shotton; Pinocchio service table – Valsecchi 1918, Luigi Baroli; Pinocchio stool – Julius Bucelis; Pinocchio stool – Riva 1920, David Dolcini; Pinocchio mirror – Alessandra Pasetti; Pinocchio cutting board – Ggiacomin, Paolo Iannetti; Pinocchio die – Landucci; Pinocchio vases – InternoItaliano, Giulio Iacchetti; Pinolio – IVV, Marta Sansoni; Geppetto’s pencil sharpener – Monkey business.
