Pulcino Alessandro Pianon Vistosi ca. 1961

Alessandro Pianon was an Italian designer known for his delightful glass sculptures of “Pulcini”, Italian for chicks. Born in Venice in 1931, Pianon, after his studies there, established himself in the world of mid-century art with his unique glass-designs. For years he was the artistic director at Seguso Vetri d’Arte when he was commissioned to design a new company logo for Vetreria Vistosi. This collaboration led to a close business relationship, and soon he began producing his Pulcini sculptures there.
The series includes five bird sculptures in different shapes and colors. We find spherical and angular, high and flattened ones, in orange, turquoise or blue. What they all have in common is each of them balancing on thin copper wire legs.
On this round chick the orange color reminds of a fluffy plumage, but in its shape, it could also have been modeled after a puffer fish.
Pianon must have had great fun designing his pulcini and his cheerful designs captivate the viewer instantly.