In the ever-evolving tapestry of furniture design, the post-modern era stands as a bold departure from convention. Let’s look at some of the masterworks that define post-modern furniture—pieces that challenge norms, celebrate eclecticism, and transcend traditional design boundaries.
1. Memphis Group's Carlton Bookcase: Playful Geometry
The Memphis Group, a trailblazing collective of designers in the 1980s, brought forth the whimsical and geometrically daring Carlton Bookcase. Designed by Ettore Sottsass, this piece epitomizes post-modern aesthetics with its vibrant colors, asymmetric shelving, and bold use of form. It is a celebration of playful design, breaking free from the constraints of symmetry.
2. Philippe Starck's Ghost Chair: A Transparent Triumph
In the realm of post-modern design, few pieces have achieved the iconic status of Philippe Starck's Ghost Chair. Launched in 2002, this transparent polycarbonate chair is a contemporary reinvention of the classic Louis XVI armchair. Its ghostly silhouette effortlessly marries traditional elegance with modern materials, embodying the essence of post-modern design.
3. Ron Arad's Rover Chair: Fluidity in Form
Designed by Ron Arad in 1981, the Rover Chair is a testament to the fluidity and adaptability of post-modern design. Composed of interwoven steel bands, this avant-garde chair defies conventional perceptions of seating. Its dynamic form and innovative use of materials make it a true masterwork that challenges the boundaries of traditional furniture design.
4. Droog Design's Chest of Drawers: Surreal Functionality
Dutch design collective Droog has been a torchbearer of post-modernism, and their Chest of Drawers is a prime example. Created by Tejo Remy in 1991, this unconventional piece challenges the very concept of a standard chest of drawers. Assembled from a mishmash of found drawers, each with its own unique character, it is a whimsical take on functionality and an embodiment of post-modern eclecticism.
5. Frank Gehry's Wiggle Side Chair: Architectural Ingenuity in Furniture
Architect Frank Gehry brought his signature brand of deconstructivism to the realm of furniture with the Wiggle Side Chair. Crafted from corrugated cardboard, Gehry's creation challenges the norms of material use and structure. This post-modern masterpiece blurs the lines between architecture and furniture design, showcasing Gehry's penchant for pushing the boundaries.
As we continue to appreciate and interpret the post-modern legacy, these pieces serve as reminders that the world of design is boundless, ever-evolving, and ripe for exploration. We have a large selection of post-modern furniture that changes weekly at evan reid. Stop in to see our latest finds.