Like Marcel Duchamp, the Castiglioni brothers used ready-made objects to create whimsical, strange and beautiful objects.  Luminator by Flos,  is magnificent.

Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni 1954

  It is industrial and sparse,  delicate and insect like (praying mantas).  Like sculpture, it provoke a response from the viewer.  It refuses to  sit quietly.  Italian mid-century design  seems to have a passion, or an enthusiasm, that life, and design, is best lived LARGE, and with a sense of humour.  NO HOLDS BARRED.

Why hide the little miracle that makes it all happen?  Props out to those designers who bare all and assert the thing for what it is – a light bulb in a fancy vehicle… or best yet: not so fancy.  Bare bulbs are honest, straight up, industrial, and georgous! … so long as they don’t leave a million blind spots in your vision.  Here are some of my faves:

Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Toio Floor Lamp, 1962 by Flos

Archille Castiglioni and Pio Manzu', Parentesi Suspension, 1970 by Flos

Jean Prouve Potence Lamp, 1950 by Vitra

 

Ernesto Gismondi Miconos Table lamp, by Artemide

Achille Castiglioni Taraxacum 88 S Suspension, 1988, by Flos

Achille and Pier Ciacomo Castiglioni, Luminator 1954, by Flos