The Spirit of Chairs
The chairs in this private collection are not an assembly of objects of everyday use. They are a congregation of creatures often eluding their primary purpose as seating. Metaphorically exaggerated height and disassociation transform the chairs into individuals, or sculptures exploring the uncertain boundaries of physics. The book’s generous layout allows readers to immerse themselves in this cabinet of curiosities and give their imagination free rein. Nicolas Polli and Jean Vincent Simonet use their photographic essays to interpret the exhibits originating from well-known artists and designers. The texts illustrate the collection in terms of the friction between art and design. They explain the collection’s significance in the life of the collector, and they discuss the general motives that lead to a passion for collecting.
The chairs in this private collection are not an assembly of objects of everyday use. They are a congregation of creatures often eluding their primary purpose as seating. Metaphorically exaggerated height and disassociation transform the chairs into individuals, or sculptures exploring the uncertain boundaries of physics. The book’s generous layout allows readers to immerse themselves in this cabinet of curiosities and give their imagination free rein. Nicolas Polli and Jean Vincent Simonet use their photographic essays to interpret the exhibits originating from well-known artists and designers. The texts illustrate the collection in terms of the friction between art and design. They explain the collection’s significance in the life of the collector, and they discuss the general motives that lead to a passion for collecting.
English edition – also available in French
"Thierry Barbier-Mueller’s collection of more than 650 chairs, by designers including Ron Arad and André Dubreuil, is celebrated in a dazzling coffee-table book"
– Air Mail
«eine Inspirationsquelle, die man allen an Möbeldesign interessierten oder hiermit beruflich befassten Menschen nur wünschen kann»
– COLD PERFECTION
