Sarfatti Arteluce: A Revolutionary Fusion of Art and Design
Introduction
Sarfatti Arteluce, founded by Italian designer Gino Sarfatti in 1939, is a leading lighting company known for its revolutionary blend of art and design. Sarfatti Arteluce’s unique approach to lighting design has made it a prominent figure in the world of contemporary lighting that has inspired designers around the world.
History of Sarfatti Arteluce
Gino Sarfatti’s passion for lighting design began in the early 1930s when he began experimenting with lighting fixtures in his home. In 1939, he founded Arteluce, which quickly became one of the leading lighting companies in Europe. Sarfatti’s designs were innovative, combining functional design with artistic elements.
Some of his most iconic designs include the Arteluce 813, a table lamp made of polished brass with a spherical bulb cover made of glass. Another famous design is the Arteluce 1063, a pendant light made of polished aluminum featuring an asymmetrical design that creates a dynamic movement.
In 1959, Arteluce merged with Flos, a company founded by Dino Gavina, to create a new company called Arteluce Flos. The new company maintained its focus on innovative design, and for the next two decades produced some of the most iconic lighting designs of all time.
The Sarfatti Arteluce Philosophy
Sarfatti Arteluce’s philosophy is based on the idea that lighting design should be both functional and artistic. Sarfatti believed that good lighting should enhance a space while also being visually stunning. This philosophy is reflected in his designs, which often feature bold, geometric shapes and materials, such as polished brass or aluminum.
Sarfatti also believed in the importance of simplicity, and many of his designs feature clean lines and minimalist forms. For example, the Arteluce 1063 pendant light is composed of a simple, asymmetrical shape that creates a sense of movement and energy. Similarly, the Arteluce 600 table lamp features a simple, cylindrical shape that provides an elegant and understated light source.
Sarfatti Arteluce Today
Today, Sarfatti Arteluce is part of the Flos Group, which produces high-quality lighting fixtures for residential, commercial, and hospitality settings. Sarfatti Arteluce’s designs continue to inspire contemporary lighting designers around the world, and their iconic designs can be seen in design museums and galleries worldwide.
One of the brand’s recent collections is the Serpentine Collection, a modular lighting system designed by Patricia Urquiola. This collection embraces Gino Sarfatti’s philosophy of simplicity and functionality by featuring a series of slender tubes that can be combined in various ways to create a unique lighting fixture.
