Have you ever given much thought to the vital role a chair plays in your life? It is surely more than just a place to sit.
Reynolda House Museum of American Art in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is holding an exhibition entitled: The Art of Seating/200 Years of American Design. Last night, I had the good fortune of experiencing this important presentation. At first thought, one would believe seeing a group of old chairs lined up around a room would be less-than-inspiring. Not so.
As I walked from chair to chair, I read each tag of description: Who designed it? What materials were used? When was it made? Where was it made? What design reference did it portray? Suddenly, I realized there is a lot more about a chair than just its general appearance or comfort level.
A chair is a sign of its time. It speaks of politics, popular thought, available materials, present fashion, and, most certainly, of skill. I realized that before me sat not just a “chair “but a sculpture of sorts. I was looking into a window of our past and a reference for the future. Each chair shared a secret of what supports classic design. Each chair echoed the thoughts which might have guided the hands that made it. Each chair portrayed a value of American life.
In addition to viewing this important collection of furnishings, the North Carolina School of the Arts, (an internationally acclaimed institute for the creative) performed a dance sequence that involved a group of white kitchen chairs. Amazing! As the 4 dancers whirled in their all-white tutus of tulle about these chairs, I peered at my fellow audience members. Totally enthralled. Any thoughts of absurdity exploded into pure “WOW”. As the choreographer of this work of art shared with us, “You will never look at your kitchen chairs in the same way again”. I believe she was right.
As if this wasn’t enough visual overload, the evening also included a discussion with 3 former colleagues of Charles and Ray Eames. Talk about a treat! With open candor, they spoke of these iconic figures. The audience was allowed a peep into the human side of these design masterminds: what made them tick, what was their interesting habits and personality quips. Soon, I felt like they might have been a neighbor.
As I headed into the parking lot to return home, one thing kept resounding in my mind: A chair is NOT just a chair. It is a reflection of life.
This was a Moment in America.
(All photos courtesy of Reynolda House Museum of American Art. Quite nice, I would say!)
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