Kepler-186f Messaging Chair

The main principle was the creation of this object working only with one drawing. The style of this drawing determines all possible developments and the elements of the object. Different parts, their styles have nothing in common but the drawing.

The idea was to make furniture using the sculptural forms of the armature. I wanted to find a natural synthesis of the armature with wood, painting, clothes and brass…

I wanted to create an unexpected, festive, magic object as if it arrived to the Earth from a different world. A half of the century ago the futurologists promised that the planets around the Earth would be populated and by now the flights in between of the stars would become a routine. As reality demonstrates those expectations were overoptimistic. Yet is there any chance for us to have a look into this promised fantastic future, to feel that wonderful different world?

To answer this question I’ll tell you a small story. An artist from our workshop very colourfully and emotionally told me about his exhibition that took place very long time ago. In particular, he discussed one of his pictures, its composition, subject and all other details. After a long time he started making this picture anew. What was very interesting – after my colleague’s old emotional story I could imagine and discuss all details of his picture as if I had seen it myself at the exhibition. So in fact the colourful story of my friend just destroyed for me a border in between of reality and my imagination. Only when I tried “to remember” the small details of the picture I had several variants and could not exactly choose one of them. It reminded me that the exhibition happened before even I was born. Yet if a colleague had been discussed every detail I would have claimed that this picture is the one I had seen somewhere. The other words, in order to become, at least for a moment, a witness of inter-star space shuttles that we see in the films and books about the future, it can be enough just to have some details from that world: perhaps boots from the centre of our galaxy, a table sent from Jupiter by fax with a use of 3d printer or Kepler chair presented by the creatures from that planet to a space tourist.

I’ve been making experiments trying to combine various technics and

forms. I was looking for new ways in my works. I wanted to present a

special feeling of amazement and joy, to make a surprising memorable

object as if delivered by a fantasy novel heroes from a different planet.

Yet I was thinking not about a knick-knack or a souvenir but something

practical and useful in our daily matters.

Kepler 186f is my improvisation. It can be varied; it has a certain

indefinite character. It is possible, if someone is interested, to develop

a more laconic and strict design based on Kepler 186f. One may find out

more perfect forms of its parts, to better synchronize the rhythm of its

armature or even to completely get rid of the armature. It is possible to

develop the idea of Kepler with the other objects made in a more strict

style adopted at the minimalist surroundings. However it is quite possible

on the basis of Kepler to develop more fanciful objects, which would look

more like pieces of art. They would less have in common with Kepler in

style but more with new efficient and unique decisions.

The idea for the Kepler chair came about while I was creating a steel wire frame for a sculpture model. However, twisted wire is a rather rough material for the parts of a chair that come into contact with the body. These parts could be made from polished tubes or bent sheet metal, which would add a brutal and industrial aesthetic to the entire piece. But I find the collision of opposites more intriguing. Moreover, I’m an amateur when it comes to working with metal—my professional expertise lies in woodworking.I also considered other options for the armrests, similar to the backrest and seat—made of fabric on a solid base or entirely wooden but deliberately coarse, like the wire structure itself.The desire to enhance the effect of contrast and introduce a more refined aesthetic into the piece ultimately outweighed both the industrial concept and a unified primitive style.

I think this inspiration came from ancient and medieval art, objects from the Oseberg ship, and the church at Urnes. When a functional element, seemingly rough-hewn with an axe from a tree trunk, unexpectedly ends in refined, delicate carving.

The freeform shape of the chair’s legs became a natural continuation of its already woven frame. If the legs were made separately, they would most likely be uniform and lack the wooden detailing. From some angles, they might appear awkward, but they give the chair a certain "animalistic" dynamism. As one acquaintance put it, "It feels like this chair is about to start walking on its own."