Matteo Ragni in Toronto

The Istituto Italiano di Cultura presents the exhibition “Matteo Ragni:Almost Twenty Years of Design” a retro­spective of the works of the Italian designer, in conjunction with an­other exhibition that he himself curated, “100% TobeUs”, which is on display at Can­ada’s only design museum, the Design Exchange in Toronto.

The exhibition highlights the attention Ragni pays to his role of designer. Every project must have its own reason to exist, its own function, and it must produce a pleasurable sensation, especially when it is dedi­cated to children, as in the case of TobeUs.

An intention evident in Patch, a small object that holds a book open, allowing the reader to remain immersed in the pleasure of read­ing. Or in Bacinella, a practical container in colourful plastic suitable for holding laundry and clothespins.

Matteo Ragni’s creativity never wan­ders from an attentive and respectful view­point of the environment that surrounds us, often playful, such as in 2Spin, a fun cocktail toothpick that looks like a spin­ning top, in a washable and recyclable plastic. Or in the eyeglass frames made with reconstituted Alpi wood.

And this reminds us of another aspect of Matteo Ragni’s work: his collabo­ration as artistic director for brands such as Campari, for which he designed a new version of the famous bottle; or for Jannelli&Volpi, a company that produces wallpaper, for which he designs wall panels and set-ups.

until January 31, 2014
Matteo Ragni: almost 20 years of design
Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Toronto
496 Huron Street, Toronto, Canada