WoongKi Ryu's abstract chair design draws cues from Wassily Kandinsky—a 20th century Russian painter and art theorist who largely experimented with purely abstruse compositions. Featuring a maple wood seat and referencing strong colors and motifs derived from Composition VIII, the chair is not only a functional piece of furniture, but an abstract piece that is fit for a museum.
The piece intentionally "puts form before function," ultimately bringing the early 20th century art movement into the context of contemporary furniture. The designer strived to tap into the expressiveness and emotional value of ambiguous structures, "which could only be [communicated] abstractly." The design by the South Korean student is a true rejection of the realism and fluidity of furniture forms.
Purely Abstract Chair Designs
WoongKi Ryu Strongly References Russian Art Through Furniture
Trend Themes
1. Abstract Furniture - Designing furniture with pure abstraction as the aesthetic focus can create unique and expressive pieces.
2. Referential Design - Drawing inspiration from other art forms, such as painting, can create new and interesting design concepts in furniture.
3. Emotive Design - Designing furniture that prioritizes emotional expression over function can create pieces that are more than just functional objects.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Manufacturing - Creating furniture pieces that prioritize aesthetics and emotion over function can offer a new, artistic direction for furniture manufacturing.
2. Home Decor - Furniture pieces with purely abstract designs can appeal to consumers looking for unique and expressive home decor items.
3. Art Galleries - Abstract furniture pieces can have crossover appeal with art galleries, blurring the line between furniture and art.