Memphis Group

Question 1

What is the Memphis Group?

Answer 1

Memphis is a design movement that began in 1981. While the name might make you think that it was born in America, it got its start in Milan, Italy. Designer Ettore Sottsass founded the Memphis Group

Question 2

What are some features of the Memphis Group’s designs?

Answer 2

FEATURES OF MEMPHIS DESIGN INCLUDE:
- Bright, multi-colored objects using geometric & irregular shapes
- Bold patterns: Repetitive geometric patterns are another part of Memphis style. This graphic design contains many small shapes like triangles, squiggles, and circles in various contrasting colors. Some designs feature geometric shapes placed haphazardly, contributing to its telltale chaotic visual.
- Color clashes: Memphis design is colorful and often contains a blend of retro, clashing color palettes like neons, pastels, and flat colors.
- Stripes: Memphis design is known for boldly using black and white stripes. These stripes in a sea of color offer a starkly contrasted aesthetic that still manages to be fun and light.
- It was a rejection, a rebellion against modernist clean lines and pared back functionalism.