On Friday, Aug. 28, there was an Iannelli Design opening reception at Perkinson Gallery in Kirkland Fine Arts Center.

The art gallery opening was in conjunction with the debut of “Everyday Modern: The Industrial Design of Alfonso Iannelli,” a collaborated book publication between author David Jameson and Bronze Man Books, a student run and operated press here on Millikin’s campus.

The gallery featured Alfonso Iannelli’s varied artwork such as original drawings, prints, photographs and objects that implemented Iannelli’s industrial designs. He’s most famous for a brief collaboration with Frank Lloyd Wright, the famous American architect, in 1914.

Iannelli lived for 77 years from 1888-1965. During this time, ideas of modernism and technology rapidly developed, which meant Iannelli had to be constantly adapting himself. He was of the belief that modernism was for everyone, and because of this he strove to retain its practicality and availability. The middle class and its demands were growing and Iannelli had the means and the desire to produce projects with care for this emerging clientele.

One thing that set Iannelli apart from other industrial designers was his artistic touch. He had the mind and hands of a sculptor, which is evident throughout all of his designs. He was interested specifically, for example, in giving the radio – an emerging form of entertainment at the time – an artistic form that would be pleasing to the average person. His resulting work of anything he attempted to create was that of industrial beauty; his works visually striking, colorful and slick.

His designs displayed within Perkinson Gallery are delicate and engaging while still achieving a technical sense of a mathematical understanding of the object. The drawings have the skill that one would expect from an artist with carefully rendered objects and beautiful line quality. Even his handwriting serves a purpose within his drawings. It’s descriptive of the item on the paper, but artistically, it also adds something to the overall composition.

The level of precision and care put into everything in the gallery shows his commitment and love of the craft. Soft, curvy lines describe his version of a hair dryer giving it a sleek and modern effect. Others examples of his drawings include a pen, a hand mixer, tea pot, a lamp, table, chairs and other useful household items.

Located in the center of the gallery, some of these designs have come to fruition and are sitting upon pedestals. The teapot was one object in particular that was especially interesting. It’s shape was two rounded forms stacked on top of each other and it had the same organic feel that all of Iannelli’s works had.

The connection between the birth of an idea within his drawings/blue prints and the completed form was very satisfying to see. Because of the accuracy of his drawings, Iannelli’s designs, once completed, look as though they have leapt directly from the paper. Whether you are an art major or not, I encourage everyone to take advantage of the artists that come to Millikin and display at Perkinson Gallery. It’s an excellent opportunity to expose yourself to new ideas and different ways of thinking. Plus there’s always free food at gallery openings.