KPM Berlin Honors Enzo Mari — Classic Design Pieces and Vases

Enzo Mari is considered one of the most intellectual and influential international designers of the second half of the 20th century. His style: concise, clear, and essential. His work: characterized by a critical examination of issues related to visual perception, functionality, and the inherent beauty of objects—questions he once explored at the KPM Berlin .

Mari was originally known for his furniture and product designs, which—characterized by sturdiness and minimalism—stood in contrast to a society that was increasingly embracing mass production at the time. Between 1993 and 1996, the Italian designer and artist Enzo Marie, in close collaboration with KPM studio and the current chief designer Thomas Wenzel, developed distinctive objects that are now considered classics.

MARI Vase - 1994

The first result of the intensive collaboration between the master workshop and Enzo Mari is a vase collection with recognition value: based on the archetype of the amphora, a whole system of different variants of the basic shape was developed, which shines as a solitaire, in a fused duo and with different decors. Clarity and symmetry characterize the elegant shape named after Mari, which tapers both upwards and downwards and is reminiscent of antique amphorae. It also demonstrates Mari's functional aspirations: the vase, which is still available in different decor and sizes, is given a firm stand by a metal plate installed on one side, which serves as a base.

Service BERLIN - 1996

Developed in 1996 by Enzo Mari and KPM studio , the BERLIN tableware set is characterized by its understated, modern style, which earned it the “iF Design Award” two years after its creation. Mari gave a central piece of the set—the coffee and tea pot —a look that was unconventional for its time and remains striking to this day: a body in an almost perfect spherical shape meets a strikingly large, inverted handle, thus conveying to this day the individuality and nonconformity of its former creator.

Creative collaboration

KPM head designer Thomas Wenzel also remembers the collaboration with the highly opinionated controversial artist: "Enzo Mari had a reputation for being an uncomfortable spirit. And indeed, nothing could withstand his critical eye until he himself had dismantled it into all its components in order to rethink it in reconstruction. This holistic and consistent, I would almost say uncompromising way of thinking and working impressed me the most."

Enzo Mari died on October 19, 2020, at the age of 88. His designs for the KPM Berlin will be on view from October 17, 2020, through April 18, 2021, as part of the Enzo Mari exhibition at the Triennale Milano, curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist.