Stanley Tigerman – Memphis Design for ACME Studio – “R.O.R.” Brooch – 1986 - Jewellery - 1986

Stanley Tigerman (1930–2019) is one of the major figures of American postmodern architecture, a central member of the Chicago Seven group and one of the few American architects associated with Memphis Design aesthetics. His work is characterized by expressive geometry, a symbolic use of architectural forms, and an immediately recognizable graphic language. The name 'R.O.R.' belongs to a series of objects that Tigerman designed for ACME Studio in the mid-1980s; the acronym was never officially explained, in accordance with his postmodern logic based on ambiguity and the play of meanings.

The brooch reflects several essential influences: Chicago's postmodern facades with their tiered lines; the visual vocabulary of the Memphis movement — bright colors, contrasting geometry, graphic patterns; as well as the drawings and manifestos of Tigerman, where forms become true architectural signs. The whole evokes a small abstract facade transformed into a portable art object.

Born out of Ettore Sottsass's influence, the Memphis movement profoundly shaped design at the end of the 20th century in Europe and the United States. Bold geometric shapes, saturated colors, and radical graphic compositions made it a major symbol of postmodernism. Tigerman's creations for ACME extend this aesthetic in a miniature form.

ACME Studio (Los Angeles) is a unique project: the company brought together some of the greatest architects and designers of the 20th century to create accessories designed through a genuine artistic process. Each piece was directly overseen by the creators themselves: Frank Gehry, Michael Graves, Robert Venturi, Ettore Sottsass, Alessandro Mendini, Stanley Tigerman, among others.

The works of ACME Studio are included in the permanent collections of prestigious museums.

MoMA (New York)
Victoria & Albert Museum (London)
Museum of Fine Arts Houston
Racine Art Museum, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
Chicago Architecture Center

The brooch is made using cloisonné enamel, a sophisticated technique involving forming the pattern with fine metal partitions before applying the colored enamel. The intense hues, sharp outlines, and geometric structure perfectly reflect Tigerman's visual style in the 1980s.

The pieces designed by Tigerman for ACME Studio possess a strong museum value: limited editions, handcrafted production, and no reissues. They are an important testament to the history of postmodernism and the Memphis movement and are highly sought after by collectors.

Marking: TIGERMAN DESIGN / ACME / LOS ANGELES
Year: 1986
Materials: cloisonné enamel, silver-plated metal
Dimensions: approximately 4.2 × 6.5 cm
Condition: excellent vintage condition, collectible item.