Maximo Riera – The Animal Chair Collection

Furniture is functional, but it can also be very artistic.

Maximo Riera said,”The main reason I chose to create a chair is because it is an everyday object, something taken as common and banal in our lives. Whilst considering the chair’s basic functionality, I also wanted to bring it alive, make it more present and create a stronger link between the spectator, the piece and the surrounding space.”

Well, it definitely isn’t “just” a chair and if you want to buy one, hold onto your hats because it will cost you a pretty penny.

“In this project,” Maximo continued, “I have tried to break through the boundaries between the artistic representation in the author’s imagination, and the final, materialized result. It has been a long and challenging adventure…”

I think you all will find the final pieces totally fascinating!

About Maximo Riera

For over thirty years, Máximo Riera has been a practicing artist. During the time when he predominantly worked in photography, painting and sculpture, he also published a collection of poetry. “Inspired by his travel and experiences through Europe and the Caribbean Islands, Máximo’s vibrant use of colour and evocative attention to detail have been an inspiration which conveys the meaning of his creations. His work also demonstrates a predominant influence from abstract expressionism and the Pop art movements.”

The Octopus Chair

The Octopus chair starts off the Animal Chair Collection and sets the tone for the other pieces in the collection. There is an internal frame within the chair that helps to hold the Octopus structure.

“In the same way that man and nature rely on each other in order to coexist successfully, the Octopus Chair places the animal and human being in harmony, where each is considered equal and one is not subject to the other.” So the Octopus is a vital part of the chair and not a decoration added to the chair. They are like a married couple should be: one.

The Walrus Chair

As the first Chaise Lounge in the collection, the Walrus Chair looks exactly like a walrus with the shape allowing for a perfect seat.

“One of the most challenging aspects in this work was the skin’s texture and consistency. The Walrus possesses a natural volume and magnitude, attributes that make him recognizable and distinct from any other species. Its thick skin wrinkles and rests along its
surface; this was a key element to have in consideration to prevent an artificial result. To achieve the best possible outcome,
the artist uses the most accurate graphic biological data.”

Obviously, Maximo didn’t just throw this chair together. I’m truly amazed at how it really does look like a walrus!

The Rhino Chair

The Rhino Chair is big and definitely has a inner support system to hold it all together. In order to present the beauty of the rhinoceros, it was important to maintain the animal’s proportions to allow the space to exhibit power, authority and mightiness.

I think that the Rhino Chair is a very powerful piece that commands attention.

The Elephant Chair

I love elephants and the Elephant Chair easily shows all the physical features of the real animal as well as the inplied intelligence and wisdom.

The wrinkled texture lend to an accurate representation of the elephant. “Using an advanced software we have managed to achieve the wood grain texture along the surface of the seat as well as the distinctive asymmetrical surfaces typical in hand crafted wood items.”

The Elephant Chair is definitely a very unique chair.

The Whale Chair

The Whale Chair is a tribute to the world’s largest animal, the Blue Whale. It is meant to make a statement about survival and overcoming the hard times we all face.

This piece, the Whale Chair, was designed as a centerpiece for an open, large room. A chair not to be ignored.

“This series constitutes an immense variety of design, where furniture and animals are the main components. Every chair is a limited edition project in order to preserve the unique and exclusive nature of the piece. Each piece has been signed and dated for complete authentication.”

Awesome chairs by the awesome, Maximo Riera.