Up5 lounge chair and Up6 ottoman (Donna)

Gaetano Pesce

1969

Polyurethane foam, cold molded foam, nylon fabric

The Israel Museum, Jerusalem

The Up5 chair was part of a series of six pieces originally produced by Cassina & Busnelli. In his “Up” series, Pesce explored the creation of voluptuous forms through the use of high-density polyurethane foam. Up5 is sold in a flat, compressed, PVC package; when the package is opened, the material self-inflates into the shape of the chair. Conceptually, the chair – with its feminine curves and attached ball-shaped ottoman – is a personal comment on the status of women in contemporary society.