tangible vs. virtual

The tasks that many designers nowadays would do on computer, Monguzzi prefers to do with his hands. He uses traditional tools, like pens and scissors, arranging printed spreads, cutting and drawing, and truly enjoying the materiality of the process. His works therefore have a strong tactile quality and his books and catalogues sometimes remind the viewer of sculptural objects that unfold in space and time.

Alice Edizioni, Comano. “Arcipelaghi,” “Cartografie,” “Sconfini,” “Corbaro” and “Autografie” series, 1987, 23×14 cm.

Three book covers: a white one, a grey one and a yellow one
Created with Sketch.

i have always remained a child and never ceased asking: why? —bruno monguzzi


Bruno Monguzzi wearing glasses, looking at the camera

Bruno Monguzzi, 2008. © Matteo Monguzzi.

the mirror method

In 1991, Monguzzi designed a poster for an exhibition of the work of abstract painter Florence Henri. For the poster Monguzzi used actual mirrors. In a way, he was copying Henri’s own favourite method—the artist often created illusory spaces, based on the interplay of real objects and their reflections. Monguzzi arranged a pair of mirrors, Henri’s portrait and a photocopy of it on a table. He observed the installation from a distance through a cut-out frame, as if through a camera lens, until he found the right “shot.”

 

A poster with multiple images of a woman's face

Museo Cantonale d’Arte, Lugano. “Florence Henri. Lucia Moholy.” Poster, 1991, 128×90.5 cm. © Bruno Monguzzi (the Florence Henri portrait is by Lucia Moholy).

A two-page spread from a "Florence Henri. Lucia Moholy" catalogue

Museo Cantonale d’Arte, Lugano. “Florence Henri. Lucia Moholy.” Catalogue, 1991, 10.5×21 cm.

A poster with words Nando Snozzi written in a fashion resembling newspaper clippings
A set of cardboard packaging with words RStset on them

Museo Cantonale d’Arte, Lugano. “Nando Snozzi.” Poster, 1989, 128×90.5 cm.

Sambonet, Vercelli. “RSt set.” Packaging, 1977. With Roberto Sambonet and Mario Zachetti. © Serge Libis.

A white poster with words Ex Voto, numbers 1 and 2 and a picture

Museo Cantonale d’Arte, Lugano. Pinacoteca Cantonale Zust, Rancate. “Ex voto in Ticino.” Triptych, 2001, 128×271.5 cm.

A white poster with words Oskar Schlemmer, Igor Strawinsky, and Les Noces

Museo Cantonale d’Arte, Lugano. “Les Noces,” Poster, 1988, 128×90.5 cm.

our work is rather like that of the translator. a good translator enjoys reading, loves writing and perhaps rewrites a single phrase by shakespeare fifty times till it finally sounds shakespearean. it is no longer monguzzi, but shakespeare in italian. it took all knowledge, understanding, sensibility and culture. it took all of monguzzi for that text to become shakespeare. —bruno monguzzi


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