Suddenly Sottsass

edited by Sheila Kim-Jamet -- Interior Design, 2/1/2006 12:00:00 AM

From architecture to furniture, household items, and office equipment, this design legend has done it all, winning two Compasso d'Oro awards to prove it. Still, despite international fame, his work has never been the focus of a solo museum exhibition in the U.S.—until the Los Angeles County Museum of Art organized "Ettore Sottsass, Designer." As LACMA's assistant curator of decorative arts, Ronald Labaco, puts it, "Sottsass remains largely underappreciated in this country, partly due to the complexity of his work, which is highly theoretical. It frequently borders on art or social commentary."

The 100 objects on view demonstrate his famously dichotomous interests, ranging from the ancient to the high-tech. Many pieces also express his affection for color and wit: Take note of his red pop-art Valentine portable typewriter or his earthenware vase called Voglio Dire, meaning I want to say. So do we. March 12– June 11; 323-857-6000; lacma.org.