RUSSEL WRIGHT AT 100

The Gallery at Green Library of Florida International University is proud to present Russel Wright at 100, an exhibition of the works of the Modernist American designer curated by Jose Perez. The Green Library is hosting this exhibition to recognize the centennial of Wright's birth.

Russel Wright stands as one of the first designers to embrace modern materials and needs in creating utilitarian objects. His works and writings, notably the 1950 "Guide to Easier Living", constitute the first dissemination of modernist art into suburbia. His use of fluid shapes and neutral colors reveal a strong influence of Cubist and Surrealist art in his designs, yet were mass-produced and aimed for popular recognition.

But his work goes far beyond objects, as he and his wife, Mary, aimed to present a philosophy of living. They are credited with inventing lifestyle marketing, stressing the relationship of inhabitants to their surroundings, from the minute object to the natural environment. Their concept started with the centerpiece of a room, the table, and extended to the larger consideration of the balance between man-made structure and nature. His ambitions & concerns were captured in this statement from his 1961 Garrison Lecture, "As the assembly line encroaches more and more on our working life, crowding out individual creative expression, the need for a home in which we can realize ourselves as individuals becomes increasingly urgent."

This exhibition will consist of over 120 objects of ceramic, metal, glass & plastic dinnerware, as well as furniture. It will feature a large variety of objects from all the most recognized design lines, including American Modern, Iroquois Casual China, & Paden City Highlights. Also presented are support materials, including excerpts from a "Guide to Easier Living" and other texts.

Curator Jose Perez describes the exhibition in the following manner:
"Do our homes really express the ideals of democracy and individualism we all profess?" This statement by Russel Wright epitomizes the very idea that has become his legacy today. Russel Wright was the product of an era that saw vast social and political changes. Concepts that were once clearly defined now needed re-interpretation. Employing the latest in technology and materials, he was able to achieve an integration that redefined modern living.

With the publication in 1950 of his landmark book, "Mary & Russel Wright Guide To Easier Living," a new generation of homemakers had now a tool available, crammed full of advice on all aspects of modern home life. Many of Wright's designs are based on his zeal to emancipate everyday life, from the practices inherited from our Victorian antecedents. To accomplishing this goal Russel Wright turned his keen eyes, towards nature with an intense sensitivity to shapes, textures and colors. He was able to explore a blend of natural and synthetic materials, to achieve a fusion between mass production and hand made goods.