The Memphis movement - fun and fabulous, or over the top? You decide, at our autumn sundowner at the unique Offmarket Gallery, located in a postmodern house on the Fremantle side of Claremont.

The Memphis Milano group formed in 1981 and was active until 1987. “Radical, funny, and outrageous” was the central idea, rejecting the stripped-back functionality of Modernism in favour of an eclectic mash-up of styles, decoration and colour.

The Memphis movement heavily influenced the design of furniture, architecture, homewares, fashion and graphics from the mid 80s to the early 90s. A challenge to the concept of ‘good taste’, it was once described as ‘a shotgun wedding between the Bauhaus and Fisher-Price.’ It was, however, driven by a serious set of postmodern ideas that redefined the aesthetic sensibility of a generation.

Join us to view a rare collection of original and re-issued Memphis furniture, fabric, objects and artworks by movement founders and luminaries including Ettore Sottsass, Nathalie du Pasquier, Michele de Lucchi and George Sowden. Special guest Dr Annette Condello from the School of Design and the Built Environment at Curtin University will give a short talk putting the work into context and you’ll enjoy drinks and nibbles with other design lovers.

The exhibition Back to Memphis - A Design Revolution is presented by Offmarket Gallery in collaboration with Mobilia.

When: Saturday 20 April 2024
Time: 4pm – 6pm
Where: Offmarket Gallery, 29 Airlie Street, Claremont
Tickets: $40, including the talk, drinks and nibbles. Student tickets $20.

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