La Casa all’Italiana. Giò Ponti in L.A.

 

The global style of Giò Ponti, one of the Italian artists most loved in the US, will be on show in the Hollywood Hills, with unique works such as the “L.A. Cathedral” and a selection of vintage pieces of furniture and decorations. Photographer Renato D’Agostin captures the soul of the exhibit in a series of unique shots. “

 

Make something wonderful” were Giò Ponti’s words in 1933; words that inspired all his life and creativity. Ponti’s multidimensional talent and endless curiosity can be seen in the variety of his interests and fields of activity: from architecture to decorative arts, from domestic design to painting, not to mention his role as successful creator and director of Domus Magazine. An incredible and versatile talent, admired and revered in the West Coast, but whose original works are not always accessible. In this framework, and in the context of “2013 Year of Italian Culture in the US”, an exhibit of vintage pieces of furniture and decorations will be hosted, starting June 20, in the private residence of the Italian Consul General in Los Angeles Giuseppe Perrone, a 1960 construction transformed for the occasion in a Ponti-esque residence.

 

Center-pieces of the show, organized in cooperation with the Giò Ponti Archives in Milan, will be two items directly related to Ponti’s experience in California: the mock-up sculpture of an imaginary “Cathedral of Los Angeles” Ponti realized in 1967 and dedicated to his friends Charles and Ray Eames and the original sketches for a circular house in Marin County, California, a visionary project very emblematic of Ponti’s artistic direction in his late years.

 

The installation at the Consul General’s residence, curated by Lon Hamaekers, will last 10 days and can be visited during special events or by appointment. It will showcase vintage original pieces illustrative of Ponti’s long and prolific career from the 30s all the way to the 1970s.

 

The idea, thanks to vintage examples on loan by US and Italian collections, is to recreate a “lived-in” environment, where Ponti objects make an integral part of modern living, perfectly compatible with daily use.

 

The doors of the Consul General’s residence will open for a selected public of Ponti admirers with an inaugural event, to be attended by personalities from the world of arts, culture and entertainment. A specialized event for architects and designers will be held, always at the residence, in cooperation with AIA/LA (American Institute of Architects), ASID/LA (American Society of Interior Designers).

 

For the occasion acclaimed photographer Renato D’Agostin created a special portfolio of images capturing “the soul” of the iconic pieces on view with a set of surreal and emotional shots highlighting Ponti’s unparalleled genius and creativity. These photographs are included in the catalog of the exhibition.

 

The event is made possible by the cooperation with Molteni&C, Snaidero USA, and the National Italian American Foundation. Special thanks to Eccola (7408 Beverly Blvd), Morateur Gallery (735 N. La Cienega Blvd) and Christofle.

 

At the same time, the Italian Cultural Institute, in the beautiful building designed by Robert Alexander in Westwood, will host the exhibition  “Living alla Ponti. Giò Ponti Lifestyle”(June 18- July 30). The show is made of various panels telling – through letters, family photographs, and videos – the story of the Italian architect’s life and creations. It will also feature examples of the new collection of Giò Ponti pieces of furniture re-released by Molteni.

 

Exclusive visits to both installations are organized by Architecture Tours LA (www.architecturetoursla.com tel. 323 5784762).