Kunsthal Rotterdam presents Ettore Sottsass' enamels from 1958 which together constitute a quintessential phase within the career of this Italian designer and architect. In the late Fifties Sottsass built up an oeuvre of works in geometrical forms of which colour is the key element. By means of lines and circles he experimented with colourful enamel on vases and on plates. Over one hundred objects and drawings by Sottsass, who is generally considered to be one of the leading members of the Memphis group, are at the basis of the revolutionary designs that became his claim to fame later on.

Enamel

The years in between 1957 and 1961 are crucial to Sottsass' career. He was educated at the Polytechnic University of Turin and, fully in line with his rationalist education, started to build up an oeuvre consisting of simple geometrical patterns. In 1958 he investigated the complex  technical process of enamelling and explored its artistic possibilities. The vitreous nature of enamel gives a physical thickness to surfaces, irregular yet smooth and shiny, and offers the possibility to use pure and extraordinarily vivid colours. Sottsass was clearly enchanted by the material quality of enamel and attached it to wooden vases and metal plates.

In the vases he designes the enamel is exalted by contrast with the natural warmth of the wooden bases. The exhibition sheds light on this  highly productive designing period in Sottsass' career and provides a valuable insight into the development of his oeuvre. Sottsass' is best known for designing the iconic red plastic Olivetti Valentin typewriter (1969) and the expressive Carlton bookcase (1981). 

Pastel on blueprint, 1958

Publication

At Adarte Publishers a book of the same name has appeared (ISBN 9788-88-89082-30-0).

Enamelled copper tondo, 1958
Enamelled copper vases on wooden base, 1958

About your visit

Booking an online ticket in advance is mandatory for everyone, including visitors with a Museumkaart, Rotterdampas, or VriendenLoterij VIP Card. This way, you are guaranteed admission and we can ensure that your visit is as pleasant as possible.

Book your start timePlan your visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Skip list

  • The Kunsthal is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs. The Kunsthal Café opens half an hour earlier, so you can visit from 9:30 hrs until half an hour after closing time. Check the current opening hours.

  • Yes, you need to book a ticket with a start time in advance. This also applies if you have a Museum card, Rotterdam pass, or VriendenLoterij VIP Card. This way, you are guaranteed admission and we can ensure that your visit is as pleasant as possible. Book your start time.

  • Yes, with an online ticket, you can visit all the exhibitions that are on display on the date of your visit. You can also stay as long as you like. You are welcome at the Kunsthal from your designated start time until closing time. Book your start time.

  • In de Kunsthal Rotterdam zijn altijd meerdere wisselende en contrastrijke tentoonstellingen tegelijk te zien. Een volledig overzicht van alle actuele tentoonstellingen vind je op de tentoonstellingspagina.

All Frequently Asked Questions