Radical: Italian Design 1965–1985, The Dennis Freedman Collection February 14–November 29, 2020
Installation view of Radical: Italian Design 1965–1985, The Dennis Freedman Collection.
Studio65, “Chiocciola” Chair, designed 1972, made 1973, polyurethane foam and upholstery, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Dennis Freedman Collection, gift of Dennis Freedman. © 1972 Studio65 / Kent Pell, photographer
Studio 65, manufactured by Gufram©, Capitello, designed 1971, made c. 1972–78, polyurethane foam and Guflac®, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Dennis Freedman Collection, gift of Dennis Freedman. © 1971 Studio 65m / Brad Bridgers, photographer
Alessandro Mendini, Monumentino da Casa, 1974, wood and Formica, the Dennis Freedman Collection. © 1974 Estate of Alessandro Mendini / Kent Pell, photographer
Lapo Binazzi, UFO, “MGM” Table Lamp, designed 1969, made c. 1975, aluminum, enamel, and bulb, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Dennis Freedman Collection, Museum purchase funded by the Caroline Wiess Law Accessions Endowment Fund. © 1969 Lapo Binazzi (UFO) / Brad Bridgers, photographer
Urano Palma, Armchair, from the Diapositive series, c. 1970–74, wood, possibly silk, and foam, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Dennis Freedman Collection, Museum purchase funded by the Caroline Wiess Law Accessions Endowment Fund / Kent Pell, photographer
Archizoom Associati, Panel, c. 1969, paint on panel, collection of Dennis Freedman. / Kent Pell, photographer
MFA Shop | 713.639.7360
Radical: Italian Design 1965–1985, The Dennis Freedman Collection by Cindi Strauss with Germano Celant, Marissa S. Hershon, Sarah Horne, and J. Taylor Kubala
“A disco Parthenon has landed at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.” —Houston Chronicle
This exhibition examines Italy’s postwar explosion of disruptive design. Radical: Italian Design 1965–1985 presents furniture, lighting design, architectural models, paintings, and other objects drawn from the landmark collection of Dennis Freedman.
The first U.S. museum exhibition in nearly 50 years to survey this pivotal movement in design history, Radical: Italian Design showcases prototypes, one-of-a-kind, and limited-edition works by architects, designers, and collectives such as Archizoom Associati, Lapo Binazzi, Ugo La Pietra, Alessandro Mendini, Gianni Pettena, Ettore Sottsass, Studio Alchimia, and Superstudio.
Of the works on view, about half are gifts of Dennis Freedman and half are acquisitions from his collection. In addition, Freedman has lent more than a dozen objects to the exhibition. Together, the gifts and acquisitions establish a foundational collection for the MFAH.
Radical: Italian Design 1965–1985, The Dennis Freedman Collection | February 14–November 29, 2020
► Admission
Entry is included with general admission. Advance timed tickets are recommended. We welcome all visitors at any time.
► Publication
The illustrated exhibition catalogue is available through the MFA Shop (713.639.7360) and the Museum’s Hirsch Library (713.639.7325).
► Gallery Views
This exhibition is organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Generous funding for this exhibition is provided by:
John R. Eckel, Jr. Foundation
The Omena Fund
Kirksey Architecture
Consulate General of Italy in Houston
Kim and Al Eiber