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Triennale di Milano 2016 Offers Up Questions on Gender in Design and the Power of Subtlety

The 21st Annual Triennale di Milano housed a number of exciting exhibitions that explored the cultural dimensions of design rather than material experimentations, (a common theme of many other shows on view during Milan Design Week). Focused on topics of gender, humanity and subtlety, the Triennale delved into our human tendencies and philosophies through thoughtful displays of the material objects that surround us. The sprawling “Women in Italian Design” exhibit analyzed the role of gender in a male-dominated creative industry, while “Neo Prehistory,” an epic display of objects both ancient and modern, guided viewers through a strange and fascinating look at humanity. Overall, the collection of shows managed to give the viewer an appreciation for the presence of design in society over thousands of years while also imparting a certain sense of wonder and inquisitiveness that lasted long after leaving. 

Grand Entrance

The path to the Triennale’s “Women in Italian Design” exhibit. The exhibition addresses the question of gender in design by tracing the long but often overlooked history of women in Italian design.

Photo credit: Allison Fonder

“Dreams in His Hands (Sogni fra le mani)” by Valeria Scuteri, 2004

Work by fiber artist Valeria Scuteri. (part of the Women in Italian Design Exhibit)

Photo credit: Allison Fonder

“Olivetti Lettera 32” by Lucia Biagi, 2009

A fun crocheted typewriter piece by Biagi, a contemporary cartoonist. (part of the Women in Italian Design Exhibit)

Photo credit: Allison Fonder

“Without Seams (Senza cusidure)” by Attiliana Argentieri, 1978

Beautiful weavings in the first room of the exhibition by Argentieri floated above museum-goers. (part of the Women in Italian Design Exhibit)

Photo credit: Allison Fonder

“Without Seams (Senza cusidure)” by Attiliana Argentieri, 1978

Beautiful weavings in the first room of the exhibition by Argentieri floated above museum-goers. (part of the Women in Italian Design Exhibit)

Photo credit: Allison Fonder

“Shopping T” by Paola Anziche, 2004

This piece by Anziche, an artist based in Milan, was part of an interactive exhibition involving several knit pieces meant to encourage economic exchange between individuals. (part of the Women in Italian Design Exhibit)

Photo credit: Allison Fonder

“Twelves Hairs (Dodici Capelli)” by Geny Iorio, 2008

An astoundingly delicate work made entirely from hair by Milan fashion designer Iorio. (part of the Women in Italian Design Exhibit)

Photo credit: Allison Fonder

“Manhattan” by Olga Finzi Baldi, 1957

The expansive exhibition of objects displayed the history chronologically, starting with elegant illustrations and objects from the early half of the 20th century and ending on a display of the materially exploratory designs of today. (part of the Women in Italian Design Exhibit)

Photo credit: Allison Fonder

Pieces in the exhibit ranged from highly functional to merely sculptural. (part of the Women in Italian Design Exhibit)

Photo credit: Allison Fonder

“Mod. 993” by Pia Crippa, 1970

(part of the Women in Italian Design Exhibit)

Photo credit: Allison Fonder