Italy (1930-1971):

Cesare "Joe" Colombo Colombo designed product for Oluce, Kartell, Bieffe, Alessi, Flexform and Boffi.  Although he only lived to 41 his waves were felt throughout the design world. His educational career in painting began at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera in Milan, and studied afterwards at the  Architecture at Politecnico di Milano University. In 1951, he joined the Movimento Nucleare as both an active painter and sculptor within abstract Expressionism. After joining the Art Concept Group in 1955, Colombo gave up painting to promote his design career. He is best known for his interest in living systems. His work has been exhibited at museums, among them the MOMA in New York City.