Indians tend to be interested, but do not know how to fit it in their homes. It has never been easy to slot Piero Fornasetti, the iconic Milan-based modern artist/designer, whose furniture and art pieces continue to be collected fervently two decades after his death. Fornasetti was an artist, but he was also an illustrator, sculptor, graphic designer, manufacturer and businessman. He challenged formal conventions. For him, form or decoration did not follow function. That, perhaps, prevented his primary recognition as an artist. But what wasn’t in dispute was the widespread desire to possess a part of his creations. Over the years, he created about 11,000 designs?furniture chairs, bars, bar stools, screens, magazine racks, bookends, wallpapers, rugs, ash trays, ceramics, tiles and much more. His reproduction of lithographs on unusual surfaces, as well as use of the face of operatic soprano Lina Cavalieri as a motif are among his most famous trademarks. Today, his son Barnaba continues the tradition by reviving some popular pieces.
At long last, some of these works by this design house will be available in India. The Marigold Group, which also brought brands such as Judith Leiber to India and owns Marigold Fine Art (MFA), plans to set up the first Fornasetti store in Delhi around August this year. As a precursor, they are also having a show on till Sunday at Delhi’s Emporio Mall, where they also have a gallery.
?This ties in well with our work in art, and Indians are increasingly westernising, creating opportunities for the growth of brands such as Fornasetti,? Gaurav Assomull, CEO, MFA, explains the reason for bringing Fornasetti to India. They have had an exhibition in Mumbai already, and say the response has been positive. ?We believe pop art is growing in India, and many want to do up their homes in more contemporary ways.?
Given their expense?an ashtray costs about Rs 10,000, while bar stools are priced between Rs 75,000 to a lakh, chairs cost between Rs 1.5-2.5 lakh and a bar would be around Rs 16 lakh?purchase is usually for homes, though a few high-end offices would also be the target. ?Second homes are also a target for us, for some feel they do not know how to fit this in their homes, but are willing to experiment,? says Assomull. ?For Fornasetti, you do not need 30 pieces, just a couple of chairs or bar stools are enough to make a statement.? Given that many of Fornasetti’s works are actually limited edition, especially those in colour, there are unlikely to be duplications in d?cor.
Assomull and younger brother Vikram plan to invest about a million dollars in 2010 to set up stores in Delhi followed by Mumbai. They have taken exclusive rights for the brand in India for two years. Given that the furniture is seasonal, and for limited editions, just 100-200 are made for global sales, this may well be your chance to lay hands on a Fornasetti original.
