Cooper Hewitt says...
Nathalie du Pasquier (1954–present) was born in Bordeaux, France, but has lived in Milan, Italy, since 1978, where she continues to maintain her studio practice. She began her design career with no formal artistic training, becoming a founding member of the design group Memphis, which was based in Milan but composed of international figures. Working alongside other designers, her creations were primarily for decorated surfaces, included screenprinted textiles, tables, ceramic vessels, and wool rugs. These were often sketched out by hand in an attempt to simulate a surrounding environment of vibrant patterns. These objects formed the style that became synonymous with the group’s design aesthetic, including the use of geometric and angular forms, bold combinations of colors, and a dizzying array of patterns. This was a collaborative experience, but also marked the creation of her own trademark style. During this time period she also briefly designed textiles for Fiorucci, Espirit, and Naj Oleari.
The breakup of Memphis in 1988 was a turning point in du Pasquier’s career in that it marked the start of her studio practice. She began producing paintings, drawings, and sculptures that visually moved away from the bold images created during her time with the design group and instead focused on the relationship between objects and physical space.
Since1989, her works have been part of numerous independent and group shows at the Fenderesky Gallery in Belfast, Pace Galleries in Seoul and London, Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia, and most recently at the Greta Meert Gallery in Brussels, among others.
The designs du Pasquier created in the 1980s have made a resurgence some thirty years after first being produced. She has returned to collaborations with companies, including the creation of textile designs for a 2014 American Apparel summer clothing line, cushions for Wrong for Hay in 2014, a 2015 rug design for La Chance, as well as seven ceramic sculptures for Bitossi Ceramiche that were displayed at Milan Design Week 2018.
