Pichler
Prototypes 1966-69

In an exhibition at the Generali Foundation, the "Prototypes," a legendary body of works made in the sixties by the Austrian artist Walter Pichler, were shown for the first time in thirty years.

Situated in the overlap of architecture/design/sculpture, the "Prototypes" were created under the influence of the social innovations of the sixties. Pichler worked with materials that were new at the time such as polyester, Plexiglas, PVC, and aluminum, as well as with inflatable elements. The term prototype refers to the experimental character of the works that suggest a mechanized, serial production.

Individual pieces such as the "TV Helmet," also called "Portable Living Room," the "Small Room (Prototype 4)" or "Phone Set" thematize new media such as TV and telecommunications. Pichler's work with inflatable constructions reveals a truly unique approach, which has also found resonance in an international context.

In 1967, the "Prototypes" were shown at the Galerie nächst St. Stephan in Vienna, and one year later at the Documenta 4 in Kassel. Walter Pichler has attracted great interest with his "Prototypes," also from international media such as Domus, Architecture d'aujourd'hui, and the legendary Austrian architectural journal, Bau.

In collaboration with the artist, the Generali Foundation has taken great care in restoring a large part of the works. The archive, created while collecting and researching the material for these works, can be accessed in the Generali Foundation's Study Center.

Shown along with this group of works were eighty drawings. Documentary material was also presented.