New York University’s 80WSE Gallery is presenting an exhibition titled “Thrones,” which focuses on contemporary chair design. The show runs from July 12 through December 7 at the gallery’s Broadway Windows location, situated at the corner of Broadway and East 10th Street. The installation is accessible to the public at all hours.
The exhibition was designed by artist Craig Redman and curated by Redman alongside Howie Chen, director of 80WSE. It features ten works that examine how chairs serve as both functional objects and cultural symbols. Among the pieces is a toilet, highlighting the range of interpretations in the show. Themes explored include bodily activities, gaming, transgression, virtuality, and appropriation.
Artists featured in “Thrones” come from various backgrounds and countries. The list includes Cometabolism Studio, CLUVENS, Duyi Han, Jesse Groom, José León Cerrillo, Serban Ionescu, Soft Baroque, SR_A Studios / Kohler, Tom Hancocks, and Wentrcek Zebulon.
Howie Chen explained that the exhibition challenges traditional approaches to chair design displays: “We carefully studied the history of chair design exhibitions and we wanted to approach Thrones in a different way. Instead of an emphasis on designer biography and industrial techniques, we look at these chairs as a cultural artifact of our times – a complex product of our contemporary life activities, values, psyche, aesthetics, and relationship to the material world,” Chen said. “Also, designer and artist Craig Redman created a spectacular exhibition scenography that escalates the encounter with these objects for the viewer.”
Craig Redman described how chairs balance utility with artistic expression: “Chairs neatly straddle both function and aesthetics. Their relatively simple form makes them accessible to most makers, allowing for a wide range of interpretations. They’re also substantial enough in size to make a statement within any environment,” Redman says. “The ‘Thrones’ theme provides a framework not only for the design of the chairs but also for viewers to project their own perspectives, shaped by their lived experiences.”
Notable works include Soft Baroque’s “Dancing Chair,” which moves when used; Serban Ionescu’s “Lappis”; CLUVENS’ SCORPION gaming chair; Tom Hancocks’ virtual digital chair; Cometabolism Studio’s reimagined urban furniture; Duyi Han’s sculptural piece referencing health trends; Jesse Grooms’ aluminum-framed Cicatrix series; José León Cerrillo’s steel chain butaque; Samuel Ross’s collaboration with Kohler on Formation 02 smart toilet; and Wentrcek Zebulon’s Club Chair made from carved foam coated in rubber.
Redman is recognized for his work across art and design internationally while Cometabolism Studio explores new uses for industrial components in furniture making. CLUVENS specializes in ergonomic designs inspired by technology research such as zero-gravity concepts for office environments.
The Broadway Windows space frames each object so that passersby can experience changing views throughout day or night. Admission is free.
80 Washington Square East (80WSE) was established in 1974 as part of NYU to present exhibitions featuring both contemporary artists and historical works at multiple locations including its main gallery near Washington Square Park.
