Formafantasma Queers Modernism at Fondazione ICA Milano
Design duo Formafantasma (Andrea Trimarchi, 1980, and Simone Farresin, 1983) presents 'La Casa Dentro' at Fondazione ICA in Milan, on view until July 19. The exhibition features twelve new objects that challenge modernist dogma by embracing ornamentation. Using materials like Murano glass, Rubelli fabrics, and painted wood, the pieces reference Marcel Breuer's tubular steel and Gerrit Rietveld's intersecting planes while incorporating floral motifs, padding, and frills. The designers aim to reclaim the decorative as a vehicle for personal memory and femininity, rejecting both postmodern pastiche and camp. The project is supported by Rome-based gallery Giustini/Stagetti. Formafantasma took over artistic direction of Rubelli in autumn 2023. Curator Alberto Salvadori engaged the duo in conversation about the work.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'La Casa Dentro' runs until July 19 at Fondazione ICA Milano
- Twelve new objects are presented, all made specifically for the show
- The work critiques Adolf Loos's anti-ornament stance and modernist binaries
- Materials include Murano glass, Rubelli fabrics, painted wood, and tubular steel
- Formafantasma became artistic directors of Rubelli in autumn 2023
- The project is supported by Galleria Giustini/Stagetti
- Curator Alberto Salvadori conducted a conversation with the designers
- The designers describe the work as a romantic attempt to dignify the decorative and feminine
Entities
Artists
- Andrea Trimarchi
- Simone Farresin
- Formafantasma
- Marcel Breuer
- Gerrit Rietveld
- Adolf Loos
- Alberto Salvadori
Institutions
- Fondazione ICA Milano
- Giustini/Stagetti
- Rubelli
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Rome