Carlo Scarpa (1906–78) was one of the most important Italian architects and designers of the twentieth century. Scarpa challenged many conventional ideas of glass design while he was head designer for two major glass manufacturers in Murano (Cappellin and Venini). His work is a major focus of the Olnick Spanu collection, and many examples of his glass can be seen in this exhibition. Scarpa revived interests in long-forgotten techniques and recipes. Using relatively spare, simple shapes, Scarpa pushed the limits of his medium. A modern innovator, Scarpa designed works that showed his interest in the following: • Textures, which could be polished smooth, roughened with corrosive chemicals, or etched with a carving wheel.   • Clarity, which ranged from being transparent, to having a milky-colored translucency, to being fully opaque and imitating the look of ceramics.   • Form, which derived from simple shapes that seem organic and natural, but were rarely based on strict geometry. Scarpa understood how various formulas for glassmaking could alter the appearance of the final object. His works demonstrate his thorough knowledge and mastery of the material. Example: Carlo Scarpa, M.V.M Capellin & Co., Trasparente a balloton, 1930-1931; Incamiciato, 1929-1930. Photograph by Luca Vignelli.