The Red-Blue Chair and other works from Rietveld's Universe transfer to MAXXI

Rietveld's Universe, an in-depth exhibition exploring the work of the Dutch architect and designer Gerrit Rietveld opens this week at Zaha Hadid's MAXXI in Rome (14 April - 10 July).

Rather than simply looking at Rietveld's furniture, the exhibit also focuses on his relationship with his colleagues, his processes and inspirations, and the artistic milieu in Holland and beyond. The name itself, Rietveld's Universe, goes some way in describing how the exhibit displays his personal creations, what he aimed to achieve and the many ways in which he embodied his work.

Opened first at the Centraal Museum in Utrecht, the exhibition presents materials from his era and preferably only things he held in his own hands. In this way visitors can come as close as possible to Rietveld the person, rather than just the objects he created.

Rietveld lived through the cultural and political revolutions of the twentieth century, two world wars, the Cold War and the post-colonial years. His life also encompassed the economic crisis in 1929, the North Sea Flood in 1953, and the seemingly difficult post-war reconstruction. He witnessed the deepest transformations within European society and, as such, was keen to create original and developmental designs. 

Rietveld's unique approach and manner of execution are what have made him an inspiration for generations to come; space and mass production being principal thematic influences. The exhibition explores Rietveld's experimental way of designing which is exemplified by iconic designs such as the Red-Blue Chair.