Pasta and Design

I came across an exhibition that is being held in HfG-Archiv Ulm in Germany, all about ‘Pasta and Design’ and it whet my appetite. ‘Al Dente’ is exhibiting there until January 2025 and includes some great vintage pasta advertising and product design.

It may seem a little niche, but this much-loved dinner staple has attracted some of the best when it comes to design. Their website says “From the hand to the machine, from the ceramic tin to outer space, from the poster to commerce, from the cooking pot to the museum: the exhibition ‘al dente. Pasta & Design’ sheds light on the many points of contact between pasta and design.” Sounds intriguing.

Today pasta remains a creative opportunity for designers, from Dolce and Gabbana teaming up with an Italian pasta brand to lavish their signature style all over its’ packaging to Jamie Oliver’s range featuring psychedelic designs where the retro flavour is definitely strong.

You can even find exquisite 3D printed pasta, truly underlining the relationship between this humble carb and art.