by
Tamara Moscowitz
Ron Arad is referred to as a “design world punk rocker,” “self-indulgent,” or “genius inventor,” labels that only enhance this Israeli-born industrial designer, artist, and architect’s reputation as a maverick daredevil who pushes the boundaries of artistic disciplines.
A major retrospective in the UK of the London-based artist’s work, Ron Arad: Restless is on view at the Barbican Art Gallery in London through May 16, 2010, affording visitors a serious first look at his constructions at various stages of development - idea, process, end product – of nearly 120 one-of-a-kind objects spanning thirty years of the artist’s productivity.
Bold and experimental, Arad’s initial use of sheet steel turned his early post-punk assemblages of ready parts into highly polished sculptural furnishings coveted by collectors and eyed by design factories - Alessi, Kartell, Moroso, and Vitra, among others. Considered to be at the top of his game, Arad keeps moving neither losing his originality or chutzpah.
Bodyguard, 2008. Edition by The Gallery Mourmans, The Netherlands
Photo: Ron Arad Associates, courtesy Timothy Taylor Gallery, London
Want to rock’ n’ roll? Swivel around? Designed as a moving, omni directional sculptural object Bodyguard represents a pitch perfect blend of function, art, and technology. One in a seven-piece Limited Edition collection made from highly polished aluminum is as shining and alluring as a mirror.
Lolita, 2004. Edition by Swarovski, Austria
Photo: Spencer Tsai, courtesy Ron Arad Associates
Lo’li’ta. Seductive, dizzying, and mesmerizing. Arad was inspired when as one of several designers he was asked to reinvent the chandelier. Working with an engineering mastermind, Waldemeyer, Lolita is made up of 1050 LED lights embedded within 2100 crystals and the first to have its own mobile phone number. Text messages sent via SMS appear at the top, wind down on the spiral crystal. As it curves the impression is one of spinning. Oh, Lolita you are gorgeous!
Gomli, 2008 Composite material and ballast
Photo: Todd White Art Photo, courtesy Ron Arad Associates
Vertical it’s pure sculpture; laid down horizontally this figurative piece becomes a chaise lounge chair. A good-humored reference to his friend English sculptor Anthony Gromley who uses his body as a model for his art, Gomli represents the universal seated figure. As the physical embodiment of the invisible sitter, it enables Arad to design pieces to seat every individually comfortably.
Oh, the Farmer and the Cowman Should Be Friends, 2009.
Edition Ron Arad Associates Photo courtesy Ron Arad Associates
The Rodgers and Hammerstein show tune of the same name (I presume) from their 1943 musical masterpiece “Oklahoma,” is humorous, clever, and pure Americana. Each state on a map of the US contains a set of books giving the largest state, Texas, the obvious edge. Made from Corten (weathered steel) and mirror polished stainless steel.
Exterior courtesy of Design Museum Holon (Israel)
Arad’s first large-scale (workable) commercial project in his birthplace, the $18 million museum is two rectangle blocks encircled by red/orange ribbons swooping down to the base. Made of steel baleen. Opened in February 2010.
A blast from the past? Or is it…? Arad’s work is often likened to 60’s Pop Art craze characteristics of which are embodied in This Flying Saucer Chair, a large playful, vintage double seater on casters. Viva Hollywood through
http://vandm.com/
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