The Spirit of Chairs: The Chair Collection of Thierry Barbier-Mueller

In this private collection based in Geneva, the chairs are not an assembly of objects of everyday use. They are a congregation of creatures eluding their primary purpose as seating. Like a pendulum swinging between design and art they do often permit this purpose, but metaphorically exaggerated height and disassociation transform the chairs into individuals, or sculptures exploring the uncertain boundaries of physics. The book’s generous layout allows readers to immerse themselves in this cabinet of curiosities and give their imagination free rein. Nicolas Polli and Jean Vincent Simonet use their photographic essays to interpret the exhibits originating from well-known artists and designers. The texts illustrate the collection in terms of the friction between art and design, they explain the collection’s significance in the life of the collector, and they discuss the general motives that lead to a passion for collecting