Capturing the Era's Greatest Architects and Designers of Post-War, Italian Mid-Century Design
For over three decades, Giorgio Casali (1913–1995) served as the visual chronicler of post-war Italian design, capturing the works of the era's greatest architects and designers for Gio Ponti’s legendary magazine, Domus. Casali’s photographs became synonymous with the Made in Italy movement, showcasing an unparalleled ability to merge economy, elegance, and artistry in visual storytelling. His lens transformed objects into narratives, bridging the gap between functionality and aesthetics, and elevating everyday designs into symbols of a new cultural identity.
Casali’s images did more than document; they defined an era. Through his compositions, he celebrated the ingenuity of designers like Ponti, Pier Luigi Nervi, and Le Corbusier, while also amplifying the voices of emerging talents. Each photograph was a carefully constructed dialogue between form, light, and space, emphasizing the innovation and craftsmanship that became hallmarks of Italian modernism.
His collaboration with Domus extended beyond a professional relationship—it was a shared mission to position Italian design on the global stage. As Domus shaped international perceptions of Italian creativity, Casali’s photographs became its cornerstone, capturing the optimism and ambition of a nation rebuilding itself through design. Whether highlighting the structural lightness of Ponti’s Superleggera chair or the monumental elegance of Nervi’s architectural feats, Casali’s work encapsulated the era’s progressive spirit.
Through his mastery of composition and his unwavering commitment to showcasing the best of Italian design, Giorgio Casali cemented his legacy as one of the most influential photographers of modern architecture and design. His work remains a timeless tribute to the transformative power of art and innovation, a visual archive of Italy’s golden age of creativity.
A Career Shaped by Vision and Collaboration
Casali began his journey as an apprentice at the Rambaldi photographic studio, honing his craft before establishing his own studio in 1938. His career reached new heights in the early 1950s with his iconic photographs of Ponti’s Superleggera chair. Casali’s masterful composition highlighted the chair’s defining feature—its remarkable lightness—by portraying models effortlessly balancing it on a single finger. This image exemplified Casali’s signature approach: a perfect blend of simplicity, sophistication, and an acute understanding of the object’s essence.
Over the next thirty years, Casali’s collaborative relationship with Ponti deepened. Together, they redefined the visual language of modern design through Domus, which became a global ambassador for Italian style. The magazine’s pages brought Italian architecture and design to an international audience, with Casali’s photographs charting Italy’s transformation into a world leader in creativity and innovation.
The Power of Domus
Domus was more than a publication; it was a movement. Through its platform, Casali’s images promoted the reinvention of everyday objects, embedding Italian design in the global consciousness. His work not only documented but also celebrated the self-assured, forward-thinking ethos of post-war Italy. Casali’s lens captured the optimism and ingenuity of designers such as Pier Luigi Nervi, Le Corbusier, and of course, Gio Ponti, whose work embodied the spirit of the era.
A Broader Perspective: The IUAV Exhibition
Curated by Angelo Maggi and Italo Zannier, an exhibition of Casali’s work offered a comprehensive look at his legacy. Held at the Archivio Progetti at IUAV University in Venice, the exhibition presented a rich selection of his photographs, including rare and previously unseen vintage prints. These images extended beyond the realm of architecture and design, showcasing Casali’s versatility as a photographer.
From professional assignments to intimate travel photography and private studies of friends and family, Casali’s work reflected a profound ability to capture emotion and context. Visitors to the exhibition were invited to explore both familiar and forgotten masters of design through Casali’s lens, rediscovering icons like Ponti and Nervi while encountering lesser-known talents whose contributions helped define an era.
Legacy Through the Lens
Giorgio Casali’s photographs remain a powerful testament to the intersection of art, design, and cultural identity. His work not only preserved the legacy of mid-20th century Italian architecture and design but also elevated it to a global stage. Through his collaboration with Domus and his commitment to visual excellence, Casali helped shape the narrative of Italian modernism, leaving an indelible mark on the world of photography and design history.
Today, his images continue to inspire, offering a window into a transformative period when Italy’s creativity and craftsmanship reshaped the world’s understanding of beauty and functionality. Casali’s legacy endures as a celebration of the timeless elegance and ingenuity of Italian design.
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