Standing Objects by Robert O’Connell
Young American designer Robert O’Connell’s Standing Objects is his first exhibition in Europe. At James Gallery in Paris from 22 Oct–15 Nov 2015.
James Gallery is launching a round of exhibitions questioning fundamentals of design in its new premises in Paris. The inaugural show of the series, Standing Objects by young American designer Robert O’Connell, opens on 22 October 2015.
Made exclusively of half-inch steel rods, Standing Objects pushes the limits of economy of means by balancing on the threshold of art and design. O’Connell uses structural codes of post-war furniture in the collection, which partially play with familiar associations and typology of furniture design, partially appear as 3-dimensional outlines that leave function of the design to the viewer’s imagination and creativity.
“Standing Objects are a communicating bridge for the art I saw in design,” says the designer. “The progression of the series can be viewed multi-directionally from the most functionally abstracted to the obvious or vice versa. The archetypal chair is a mundane reference that is easily understood. When manipulated, it serves as a strong visual communicator.”
Born in 1994, Robert O’Connell is currently finishing a degree in industrial design at Rhode Island Design School. After several group shows in the US, Standing Objects is his first solo exhibition in Europe.
Robert O’Connell: Standing Objects • 22 October–15 November 2015 • James Gallery, 18/20 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris, France
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