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Italy 1980 Ugo La Pietra Abstract Bronze Sculpture Four Dance Steps
Italy 1980 Ugo La Pietra Abstract Bronze Sculpture Four Dance Steps

Italy 1980 Ugo La Pietra Abstract Bronze Sculpture Four Dance Steps

By Ugo La Pietra

Located in Brescia, IT

This is a unique piece (n.6 of eight realized) of this charming artwork in bronze by Ugo La Pietra. The ironic title is part of the artist philosophy. La Pietra is a genial architect...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

1980 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Vanni Viviani Star with Apples
1980 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Vanni Viviani Star with Apples

1980 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Vanni Viviani Star with Apples

Located in Brescia, IT

Spoleto (Italy) and more others all over the world. In 1968 the Modern Art Museum in San Paolo Brasil, put

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Post-Modern Moroccan Abstract Pointillist Boujad Berber Rug
Post-Modern Moroccan Abstract Pointillist Boujad Berber Rug

Post-Modern Moroccan Abstract Pointillist Boujad Berber Rug

Located in Milan, IT

A very unusual Berber rug from the Boujad region, located on the foothills of the central High Atlas mountains of Morocco, distinguished by an horizontally arranged pointillist patte...

Category

Early 2000s Moroccan Post-Modern Moroccan and North African Rugs

Materials

Cotton

Vintage Postmodern Abstract Mixed Media Large Scale 3D Collage by Martha Holden
Vintage Postmodern Abstract Mixed Media Large Scale 3D Collage by Martha Holden

Vintage Postmodern Abstract Mixed Media Large Scale 3D Collage by Martha Holden

Located in Topeka, KS

Incredible Late 20th Century Postmodern Contemporary Abstract signed Mixed Media large scale 3D

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Plexiglass, Paint, Paper

1970 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Urano Palma Omaggio a Giacometti
1970 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Urano Palma Omaggio a Giacometti

1970 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Urano Palma Omaggio a Giacometti

By Urano Palma

Located in Brescia, IT

This very intense and engaging artwork was created by Urano Palma that he is a well known Italian artist who starts to create his artworks following the philosophy of Lucio Fontana. ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Italy 1980 Black Bronze Abstract Sculpture Walter Valentini Big Tracks Tracce
Italy 1980 Black Bronze Abstract Sculpture Walter Valentini Big Tracks Tracce

Italy 1980 Black Bronze Abstract Sculpture Walter Valentini Big Tracks Tracce

By Walter Valentini

Located in Brescia, IT

Walter Valentini was born in 1928 in South Italy. A painter and engraver, he lives and works in Milan. He is Holder of the chair for engraving at the Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti in...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

1980 Italy Walter Valentini Bronze Abstract Sculpture City of the Sun
1980 Italy Walter Valentini Bronze Abstract Sculpture City of the Sun

1980 Italy Walter Valentini Bronze Abstract Sculpture City of the Sun

By Walter Valentini

Located in Brescia, IT

Walter Valentini was born in 1928 in South Italy. A painter and engraver, he lives and works in Milan. He is Holder of the chair for engraving at the Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti in...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

1980 Italy Ugo La Pietra Bronze Abstract Sculpture Bellezza Al Bagno
1980 Italy Ugo La Pietra Bronze Abstract Sculpture Bellezza Al Bagno

1980 Italy Ugo La Pietra Bronze Abstract Sculpture Bellezza Al Bagno

By Ugo La Pietra

Located in Brescia, IT

This is one of the 30 pieces of this engaging artwork realized in bronze by the well known Internationally artist, Ugo La Pietra, in 1985. This artwork well represents the relations...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Italy Late 20th Century Bronze Abstract Sculpture Walter Valentini Tracce Tracks
Italy Late 20th Century Bronze Abstract Sculpture Walter Valentini Tracce Tracks

Italy Late 20th Century Bronze Abstract Sculpture Walter Valentini Tracce Tracks

By Walter Valentini

Located in Brescia, IT

Walter Valentini was born in 1928 in South Italy. A painter and engraver, he lives and works in Milan. He is Holder of the chair for engraving at the Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti in...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

1980 Italy Black Laquered Pewter Abstract Sculpture Roberto Vecchione Il Mondo
1980 Italy Black Laquered Pewter Abstract Sculpture Roberto Vecchione Il Mondo

1980 Italy Black Laquered Pewter Abstract Sculpture Roberto Vecchione Il Mondo

By Roberto Vecchione 1

Located in Brescia, IT

This interesting piece is an artwork made by the Italian artist Roberto Vecchione.This is a multiple of 1000 specimen, signed by the artist and numbered made in the 80' and stocked ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Pewter

1980 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Lino Tiné Albero Città City Tree
1980 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Lino Tiné Albero Città City Tree

1980 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Lino Tiné Albero Città City Tree

By Lino Tine

Located in Brescia, IT

This intense and engaging abstract sculpture was create in 1980 by the Italian artist Lino Tinè

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

1980 Italy Bronze Nickel Plated Abstract Sculpture by Edmondo Cirillo Stele
1980 Italy Bronze Nickel Plated Abstract Sculpture by Edmondo Cirillo Stele

1980 Italy Bronze Nickel Plated Abstract Sculpture by Edmondo Cirillo Stele

Located in Brescia, IT

This engagind artwork was create in 1980 by the Italian artist Edmondo Cirillo. It was forged in bronze and then nickel plated. The title of this piece is "Stele". Translate in "Stel...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze, Nickel

1988 Italy Black Aluminum Abstract Sculpture by Patrizia Guerresi Title Deji
1988 Italy Black Aluminum Abstract Sculpture by Patrizia Guerresi Title Deji

1988 Italy Black Aluminum Abstract Sculpture by Patrizia Guerresi Title Deji

Located in Brescia, IT

This is an engaging black aluminum sculpture create by the Italian artist Patrizia Guerresi, in the 1988. The piece is a multiple of 1000 specimen on a black wooden base. The title o...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Aluminum

2000s Organic Modern Movable Hand-Carved Sicilian Wood Sculpture by Sciacca
2000s Organic Modern Movable Hand-Carved Sicilian Wood Sculpture by Sciacca

2000s Organic Modern Movable Hand-Carved Sicilian Wood Sculpture by Sciacca

Located in Aci Castello, IT

design includes geometric and natural elements, giving it a dynamic and abstract appearance. The wood

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sicilian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

1974 Italy  Ugo La Pietra Ad Arte Red Bronze Abstract Sculpture Candleholders
1974 Italy  Ugo La Pietra Ad Arte Red Bronze Abstract Sculpture Candleholders

1974 Italy Ugo La Pietra Ad Arte Red Bronze Abstract Sculpture Candleholders

By Ugo La Pietra

Located in Brescia, IT

important and Internationally Museum, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Centre Pompidou in

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Hank Murta Adams cast glass and wire  abstract sculpture " Cake" signed
Hank Murta Adams cast glass and wire  abstract sculpture " Cake" signed

Hank Murta Adams cast glass and wire abstract sculpture " Cake" signed

By Hank Murta Adams

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful sample of the work " Cake" from the well known artist Hank M Adams , this work is signed and dated 1998. Cast Glass and wire.

Category

1990s American Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Hank Murta Adams  cast glass and wire abstract sculpture " Cake" signed
Hank Murta Adams  cast glass and wire abstract sculpture " Cake" signed

Hank Murta Adams cast glass and wire abstract sculpture " Cake" signed

By Hank Murta Adams

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Nice and traditional cast glass sculpture for the well known contemporary artist Hank M Adams .

Category

1990s American Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Postmodern Abstract Scupture by Curtis Jere Signed & Dated Marble & Steel
Postmodern Abstract Scupture by Curtis Jere Signed & Dated Marble & Steel

Postmodern Abstract Scupture by Curtis Jere Signed & Dated Marble & Steel

By Curtis Jeré

Located in San Diego, CA

Nice and rare sculpture by Curtis Jere, circa 1990 signed and dated, solid raw steel with original patina and oxidation, sitting on solid marble cylinder base.

Category

Late 20th Century North American Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Steel

1978 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Fanna Roncoroni Forma Ovale Oval Shape
1978 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Fanna Roncoroni Forma Ovale Oval Shape

1978 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Fanna Roncoroni Forma Ovale Oval Shape

Located in Brescia, IT

This engaging artwork was created in 1978 by the Italian artist Fanna Roncoroni. It is a multiple of 1000 pieces. The title is "Forma ovale", translate in "Oval shape". Maria Pia Fa...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

1978 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Fanna Roncoroni Lui Lei Him Her
1978 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Fanna Roncoroni Lui Lei Him Her

1978 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Fanna Roncoroni Lui Lei Him Her

Located in Brescia, IT

This engaging artwork was created in 1978 by the Italian artist Fanna Roncoroni. It is a multiple of 1000 pieces numbered and signed by the author. The title is "Lui Lei" translate ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

1980 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture Urano Palma Tavolo Del Politico E Sedia
1980 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture Urano Palma Tavolo Del Politico E Sedia

1980 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture Urano Palma Tavolo Del Politico E Sedia

By Urano Palma

Located in Brescia, IT

Urano Palma is an Italian artist who starts to create his artworks following the philosophy of Lucio Fontana. He specially worked to the sculptured furniture, inventing a casting te...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

1980 Italy Bronze and Brass Abstract Sculpture by Nevio De Luca
1980 Italy Bronze and Brass Abstract Sculpture by Nevio De Luca

1980 Italy Bronze and Brass Abstract Sculpture by Nevio De Luca

Located in Brescia, IT

This Italian artist follow his soul and imagines the scenes story telling the life. This is the Francesco Petrarca story, one the most important Italian poet of the beginning of Huma...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Bronze

1985 Italy Cast Iron Abstract Sculpture by Urano Palma Cast Iron Throne
1985 Italy Cast Iron Abstract Sculpture by Urano Palma Cast Iron Throne

1985 Italy Cast Iron Abstract Sculpture by Urano Palma Cast Iron Throne

By Urano Palma

Located in Brescia, IT

This very intense and engaging artwork was created by Urano Palma that is a well known Italian artist who starts to create his artworks following the philosophy of Lucio Fontana. He ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

1985 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Urano Palma Trono Bronzo Bronze Throne
1985 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Urano Palma Trono Bronzo Bronze Throne

1985 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Urano Palma Trono Bronzo Bronze Throne

By Urano Palma

Located in Brescia, IT

This very intense and engaging artwork was created by Urano Palma that is a well known Italian artist who starts to create his artworks following the philosophy of Lucio Fontana. He ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

1977 Italy Wooden Abstract Sculpture by Urano Palma Non Dialogo No Words
1977 Italy Wooden Abstract Sculpture by Urano Palma Non Dialogo No Words

1977 Italy Wooden Abstract Sculpture by Urano Palma Non Dialogo No Words

By Urano Palma

Located in Brescia, IT

This very intense and engaging artwork was created by Urano Palma that is a well known Italian artist who starts to create his artworks following the philosophy of Lucio Fontana. He ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wood

1985 Italy Wooden Abstract Sculpture by Urano Palma Grande Trono Big Throne
1985 Italy Wooden Abstract Sculpture by Urano Palma Grande Trono Big Throne

1985 Italy Wooden Abstract Sculpture by Urano Palma Grande Trono Big Throne

By Urano Palma

Located in Brescia, IT

This very intense and engaging artwork was created by Urano Palma that is a well known Italian artist who starts to create his artworks following the philosophy of Lucio Fontana. He ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Original Acrylic and Pen Abstract Painting, Signed, Post-Modern, 1995
Original Acrylic and Pen Abstract Painting, Signed, Post-Modern, 1995

Original Acrylic and Pen Abstract Painting, Signed, Post-Modern, 1995

By Peter Keil

Located in Wichita, KS

Original Peter Keil in Acrylic, pen or marker - signed and dated 1995. The artwork was in a series of three and all reframed. Framed Image 32.5 x 39

Category

Late 20th Century German Post-Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Wood, Paper

1975 Italy Abstract Wooden Sculpture by Nato Frascà Il Volume The Book
1975 Italy Abstract Wooden Sculpture by Nato Frascà Il Volume The Book

1975 Italy Abstract Wooden Sculpture by Nato Frascà Il Volume The Book

By Nato Frascà

Located in Brescia, IT

This intense and engaging artwork was created by the Italian artist Nato Frascà. The title is "Il Volume" translated in " The Book". This is a multiple of 50 specimens and this piec...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Italy 1980 Abstract Sculpture Sphere in Brass Natural Wood and Metal Chrome
Italy 1980 Abstract Sculpture Sphere in Brass Natural Wood and Metal Chrome

Italy 1980 Abstract Sculpture Sphere in Brass Natural Wood and Metal Chrome

Located in Brescia, IT

This is a unique piece and prototype of this interesting artwork of Filippo Panseca, an Italian artist that it is considered, together with Laurence Gartel, the father of the Compute...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Brass

Zero gravity. bronze and wood sculpture. One of a kind
Zero gravity. bronze and wood sculpture. One of a kind

Zero gravity. bronze and wood sculpture. One of a kind

Located in Zofingen, AG

Zero Gravity. The idea behind this sculpture is to create a feeling of weightlessness. A woman's torso is suspended within burned wood. The rough texture of the wood highlights the p...

Category

1990s Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Itineraries

Itineraries

By Giulio Turcato

Located in London, GB

, and a founding member of the Marxist-leaning, abstract art group Forma 1 in 1947, together with Ugo

Category

1970s Post-Modern Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Italian Modern Marble 1980s Pop Art/Memphis Style Sculpture by Rose Grant
Italian Modern Marble 1980s Pop Art/Memphis Style Sculpture by Rose Grant

Italian Modern Marble 1980s Pop Art/Memphis Style Sculpture by Rose Grant

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano

Located in Palm Springs, CA

inspired post-modern sculptures in carrera marble with her red/blue/yellow accent primary colors in the

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Carrara Marble

WaveLength

WaveLength

By Richard Smith

Located in London, GB

Richard Smith WaveLength , 1987 Acrylic on canvas 132.1 x 325.1 cm Richard Smith, CBE (27 October 1931 – 15 April 2016) was an English painter and printmaker. He produced work in a ...

Category

1980s Post-Modern Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Post-Modern Italian Design Steel Chrome Abstract Table Lamp
Post-Modern Italian Design Steel Chrome Abstract Table Lamp

Post-Modern Italian Design Steel Chrome Abstract Table Lamp

Located in Brescia, IT

This Italian table lamp is designed by Edmondo Cirillo, an Italian sculptor (born 1931). Italian hand made in steel chrome finished. EU wiring 240V. USA/GB wiring on demand price...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Steel

Art Deco Brick Triptych, Blue Miami Architecture, Unique Monotype Cyanotype
Art Deco Brick Triptych, Blue Miami Architecture, Unique Monotype Cyanotype

Art Deco Brick Triptych, Blue Miami Architecture, Unique Monotype Cyanotype

By Kind of Cyan

Located in Barcelona, ES

“Art Deco Crick Triptych” is a unique handmade monotype cyanotype triptych inspired by Miami Art Deco architecture. Repeating geometric forms echo breezeblock facades, while soft cya...

Category

2010s Post-Modern Abstract Paintings

Materials

Handmade Paper, Monotype

1970 Italy Post-Modern Multiple Abstract Multicolor Print by Piero Dorazio
1970 Italy Post-Modern Multiple Abstract Multicolor Print by Piero Dorazio

1970 Italy Post-Modern Multiple Abstract Multicolor Print by Piero Dorazio

By Piero Dorazio 1

Located in Brescia, IT

This is an engaging abstract multiple print od the Internationally well known Italian artist Piero

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Seize the moment., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Seize the moment., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Seize the moment., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

By Iryna Kastsova

Located in Yardley, PA

suspension is ready. Certificate of Authenticity. :: Painting :: Post Modern :: This piece comes with an

Category

2010s Post-Modern Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Post Modern Mixed Media Three Dimensional Abstract by Jose Luis Serrano
Post Modern Mixed Media Three Dimensional Abstract by Jose Luis Serrano

Post Modern Mixed Media Three Dimensional Abstract by Jose Luis Serrano

By José Luis Serrano

Located in San Diego, CA

Post modern mixed media three dimensional abstract by listed Mexican artist Jose Luis Serrano

Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Post-Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

OBLADI OBLADA, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
OBLADI OBLADA, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

OBLADI OBLADA, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

By Pamela Ross

Located in Yardley, PA

: " Sunday in the park, by the aquarium, in the city by the boardwalk.... and more." Modern - Abstract

Category

2010s Post-Modern Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

The Landing by Judith Rothschild
The Landing by Judith Rothschild

The Landing by Judith Rothschild

By Judith Rothschild

Located in New Orleans, LA

abstract painter and philanthropist, born in New York City. A pioneering figure in Abstract Expressionism

Category

20th Century Post-Modern Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

The Vases in Tulsa
The Vases in Tulsa

The Vases in Tulsa

By Elliot Gordon

Located in New York, NY

Elliot Gordon (American) , "The Vases in Tulsa", Post Modern Impressionist Acrylic on Canvas, 30 x

Category

Early 2000s Post-Modern Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Canvas

Golden Raintree 01 - Mixed Media Tree Inspired Sculpture

Golden Raintree 01 - Mixed Media Tree Inspired Sculpture

Located in Boston, MA

Golden Raintree 01 48.0 x 48.0 x 8.0, 40.0 lbs Organic materials Hand signed by artist Artist's Commentary: "This piece is made up of the fallen sticks of the Golden Raintree, (o...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Organic Material

Pavillion Fragment
Pavillion Fragment

Pavillion Fragment

By General Idea

Located in Toronto, Ontario

In 1967, General Idea was founded in Toronto by AA Bronson (b. 1946), Felix Partz (1945-1994), and Jorge Zontal (1944-1994). Over the course of 25 years, they made a significant cont...

Category

1980s Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

“Untitled”
“Untitled”

“Untitled”

Located in Southampton, NY

Original acrylic paint on canvas abstract painting attributed to the hand of the well known

Category

1960s Post-Modern Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Masterpiece Swiss Contemporary Blown Faceted Cut Glass Sculpture Vase
Masterpiece Swiss Contemporary Blown Faceted Cut Glass Sculpture Vase

Masterpiece Swiss Contemporary Blown Faceted Cut Glass Sculpture Vase

By Thomas Blank

Located in Surfside, FL

Thomas Blank was born in Berne, Switzerland, in 1973. He is a master of transformation, who has been investigating the nature of glass for 20 years now, without losing his fascinatio...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Blown Glass

“Untitled”
“Untitled”

Oded Halahmy“Untitled”, 1976

$1,950Sale Price|30% Off

“Untitled”

Located in Southampton, NY

Original nickel plated over brass metal abstract sculpture by Oded Halahmy. Untitled. Signed and

Category

1970s Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

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Post Modern Abstract For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal post modern abstract for your home. Frequently made of metal, ceramic and stone, every post modern abstract was constructed with great care. There are 1022 variations of the antique or vintage post modern abstract you’re looking for, while we also have 758 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer post modern abstract, there are earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A post modern abstract, designed in the modern, mid-century modern or Art Deco style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. You’ll likely find more than one post modern abstract that is appealing in its simplicity, but Tom von Kaenel, Berber Tribes of Morocco and Curtis Jeré produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Post Modern Abstract?

The average selling price for a post modern abstract at 1stDibs is $2,419, while they’re typically $0 on the low end and $2,750,000 for the highest priced.

A Close Look at Post-modern Furniture

Postmodern design was a short-lived movement that manifested itself chiefly in Italy and the United States in the early 1980s. The characteristics of vintage postmodern furniture and other postmodern objects and decor for the home included loud-patterned, usually plastic surfaces; strange proportions, vibrant colors and weird angles; and a vague-at-best relationship between form and function.

ORIGINS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

  • Emerges during the 1960s; popularity explodes during the ’80s
  • A reaction to prevailing conventions of modernism by mainly American architects
  • Architect Robert Venturi critiques modern architecture in his Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture (1966)
  • Theorist Charles Jencks, who championed architecture filled with allusions and cultural references, writes The Language of Post-Modern Architecture (1977)
  • Italian design collective the Memphis Group, also known as Memphis Milano, meets for the first time (1980) 
  • Memphis collective debuts more than 50 objects and furnishings at Salone del Milano (1981)
  • Interest in style declines, minimalism gains steam

CHARACTERISTICS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

  • Dizzying graphic patterns and an emphasis on loud, off-the-wall colors
  • Use of plastic and laminates, glass, metal and marble; lacquered and painted wood 
  • Unconventional proportions and abundant ornamentation
  • Playful nods to Art Deco and Pop art

POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

VINTAGE POSTMODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

Critics derided postmodern design as a grandstanding bid for attention and nothing of consequence. Decades later, the fact that postmodernism still has the power to provoke thoughts, along with other reactions, proves they were not entirely correct.

Postmodern design began as an architectural critique. Starting in the 1960s, a small cadre of mainly American architects began to argue that modernism, once high-minded and even noble in its goals, had become stale, stagnant and blandly corporate. Later, in Milan, a cohort of creators led by Ettore Sottsass and Alessandro Mendinia onetime mentor to Sottsass and a key figure in the Italian Radical movement — brought the discussion to bear on design.

Sottsass, an industrial designer, philosopher and provocateur, gathered a core group of young designers into a collective in 1980 they called Memphis. Members of the Memphis Group,  which would come to include Martine Bedin, Michael Graves, Marco Zanini, Shiro Kuramata, Michele de Lucchi and Matteo Thun, saw design as a means of communication, and they wanted it to shout. That it did: The first Memphis collection appeared in 1981 in Milan and broke all the modernist taboos, embracing irony, kitsch, wild ornamentation and bad taste.

Memphis works remain icons of postmodernism: the Sottsass Casablanca bookcase, with its leopard-print plastic veneer; de Lucchi’s First chair, which has been described as having the look of an electronics component; Martine Bedin’s Super lamp: a pull-toy puppy on a power-cord leash. Even though it preceded the Memphis Group’s formal launch, Sottsass’s iconic Ultrafragola mirror — in its conspicuously curved plastic shell with radical pops of pink neon — proves striking in any space and embodies many of the collective’s postmodern ideals. 

After the initial Memphis show caused an uproar, the postmodern movement within furniture and interior design quickly took off in America. (Memphis fell out of fashion when the Reagan era gave way to cool 1990’s minimalism.) The architect Robert Venturi had by then already begun a series of plywood chairs for Knoll Inc., with beefy, exaggerated silhouettes of traditional styles such as Queen Anne and Chippendale. In 1982, the new firm Swid Powell enlisted a group of top American architects, including Frank Gehry, Richard Meier, Stanley Tigerman and Venturi to create postmodern tableware in silver, ceramic and glass.

On 1stDibs, the vintage postmodern furniture collection includes chairs, coffee tables, sofas, decorative objects, table lamps and more.