Celia Bertoia: The Design, Sculpture and Philosophy of Harry Bertoia
Celia Bertoia
Lecture - The Design, Sculpture and Philosophy of Harry Bertoia
May 17, 2018 | 6pm
Carr Chapel
Harry Bertoia (1915-1978), designer and metal worker, left an enormous legacy of sculptures, furniture, drawings and jewelry. Bertoia designed modern chairs for Knoll, crafted over 50 public sculptures, etched hundreds of monotypes and welded thousands of art pieces. Bertoia pushed the wave of modern art into an expansive period of exploration of not only visual, but practical, auditory and tactile art. From delicate jewelry to massive fountains, from an asymmetrical chaise lounge to petite children’s chairs, from detailed graphics to thunderous gongs; this artist took what he infused from nature’s beauty and transformed it into uplifting experiential pieces.
Hear his youngest daughter, Celia Bertoia, describe Bertoia’s work and life in both casual and technical terms. She will explain the history of his MidCentury Modern chairs, and his important relationships with other designers and architects. She’ll share anecdotes from his life, relay his philosophy and tell stories that reveal the man behind the designs.
This lecture is presented in partnership with Docomomo US/Chicago, the local chapter of the international committee for the documentation and conservation of the Modern Movement.
The lecture will begin promptly at 6pm, with a reception for Docomomo US/Chicago Members to follow.