open dyslexic mode

CAN FURNITURE BE ART?

We’ve all heard the expression ‘form and function’ (Louis Sullivan, architect, 1896, describing how architecture should reflect the purpose of the building) but is there such a thing as ‘art and assignment’, in other words can furniture be practical yet also imbued with artistic value? If you look at what some contemporary furniture artists are creating, the answer must be ‘yes’. Whether a sideboard’s surface is hand painted with a floral or geometric design, a cabinet is covered with a bespoke print or a chair is upholstered to look like it’s wearing a vintage uniform, these items have a unique artistic value albeit it of a different kind to that of a Renoir or a tiger shark in a tank filled with formaldehyde.

There have been sofas shaped like lips, side tables that look like animals as well as mannequin lights in human form, all blurring the lines between what can be considered as art and what is purely a practical piece. Perhaps this is the new artistic movement we’ve all been waiting for, where our spaces become art galleries and everything featured - seating, storage, lighting, beds, cabinets, desks etc, etc - take the experience of what we call ‘home’ to a completely different level.

Image: Black & white Gods & Goddesses decoupaged sideboard from @studio_twentyseven, featured in the ‘Sideboards to Commission’ section of the NOWHOUSE.shop website.