index introduction [7] the artist [9] the making of [10] THE OCTOPUS [13] THE WALRUS [19] THE RHINO [25] THE WHALE [31] THE sapo [37] THE BETTLE [43] THE ELEPHANT [49] contact details [55] features [56]
MÁXIMO RIERA [THE ANIMAL CHAIR COLLECTION]
introduction FROM CONCEPTION TO COMPLETION
In this project 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, and through these pages I would like to reveal and explain the different stages of the production.
Máximo Riera
[7]
MÁXIMO RIERA [THE ANIMAL CHAIR COLLECTION]
the artist MÁXIMO RIERA’S CREATIVE LIFE
Máximo Riera has been a practicing artist for
over thirty years. Whilst predominantly working in photography, painting and sculpture, he has 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. Even though his artistic career was relegated to a secondary role due to his professional life in the medical industry, Máximo still organized several exhibitions and events for his work, with all proceeds going to charity. Born in Asturias, Northern Spain, Máximo has now retired to his studio in Cadiz, where he paints and sculpts each day.
[9]
MÁXIMO RIERA [THE ANIMAL CHAIR COLLECTION]
the making of BRINGING MATTER TO LIFE
From the beginning, the artist
mechanized sculpting tools then
was open to using cutting edge
precisely interpreted and reproduced
technology to achieve the highest
the image to cut a precise replica of
quality execution of his designs.
the original design from compressed
The first stage of the developing
foam blocks. The different parts were
process involved turning the artist’s
then assembled, glued, sanded and
sketches into a three-dimensional
painted by hand.
digital image. This was done by computer modeling software with
The process certainly allowed the
total supervision by the artist to
artist to accomplish a superb level
ensure that the end result was an
of detail an authentic texture. The
exact replica of his drawings.
pieces transmit a dynamic sense of movement which almost challenges
The sculptures were produced
gravity, and results in a unique object
using CNC (computer numerical
with a soul, character and vitality
control); one of the most avant-
most often found in the classic
garde sculptural techniques
sculptural canon.
available at present. This artistic production required the technical
The chairs sit astride the line dividing
assistance of JH May, an English,
a strict, mathematical world of
high-tech manufacturing company whose clients include Zaha Hadid
versatile world of art. Each piece
architects and brands such as Nike,
therefore becomes a powerful
Ferrari and Chanel. The artist’s 3D
intersection of complex human design
sketches were fed into a computer;
integrated with nature’s splendour.
[10]
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.
MĂĄximo Riera
[12]
EMERGING FROM THE DEPTHS
the octopus
The Octopus Chair is the first piece of the
In the same way that man and nature rely on
Animal Chair Collection, and it establishes a
each other in order to coexist successfully, the
base and point of departure for the pieces
Octopus Chair places the animal and human
to come. Its elegance is perhaps the most
being in harmony, where each is considered
outstanding aspect of the piece. In order to be
equal and one is not subject to the other.
faithful to the animal’s physique and the natural loftiness of its movements, it was necessary to
The Octopus is not decoration; it is as intrinsic
build an internal frame to hold its structure and
to the chair as the person who sits upon it.
make possible its posture. Like in the rest of the
The Octopus Chair thus establishes the affair
pieces the animal is the unique protagonist of
between the animal, chair and the human as one
the oeuvre.
single entity.
[13]
[14]
All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
[15]
All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
[16]
All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
[17]
All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
the walrus MASSIVE VOLUMES
This piece has been designed to be the
and consistency. The Walrus possesses
first Chaise Longue of the collection. It
a natural volume and magnitude,
perfectly resembles the animal’s figure
attributes that make him recognizable
from one side to the other. The Walrus
and distinct from any other species. Its
was drafted to accommodate the seats
thick skin wrinkles and rests along its
upon its back, merging into the animal
surface; this was a key element to have in
with a flawless compatibility. This fact
consideration to prevent an artificial result.
gives uniqueness to the composition. To achieve the best possible outcome, The artist wanted to preserve the real
the artist uses the most accurate graphic
elevation of the animal, making the
biological data. For that reason, The
person who sits on it, share the same
Walrus Chair is an outstanding piece
perspective. One of the most challenging
which holds a vital spirit.
aspects in this work was the skin’s texture
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All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
[21]
All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
[22]
All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
[23]
All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
the rhino TAMING OF THE FURY
Because of its superlative size and
proportions. Considering that not many
presence, The Rhino Chair is considered
people have had the opportunity to
more like a throne than a regular chair.
appreciate the beauty of these animals
Like its predecessor, it contains an inner
standing in front of them, MĂĄximo wants
frame along its body to support its weight
to bring them closer to us, the spectators,
and reinforce its balance. There is not a
creating a virtual interaction.
better animal than the Rhino to reflect nature’s capacity and mightiness.
The Rhino chair is built on a superior scale to generate an authoritative force
From an early stage when this chair
with respect to its surroundings, a quality
was just a mere idea, the artist was
present on the animal itself. The Rhino
aware that the strongpoint of the piece
Chair is a truly breath-taking piece.
was maintaining, as far as possible, its
[25]
[26]
All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
[27]
All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
[28]
All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
[29]
All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
the whale
THE AQUATIC MAJESTY
The following piece takes us to the depths
open spaces and wide areas. The whale
of the oceans, where this beautiful marine
fin, which is completely unfolded, has an
mammal reigns supreme. This tribute to
asymmetry between both sides. The top
the Blue Whale, the world’s largest animal,
section leans backwards and concedes a
has deep meaning and relevance for the
dynamic perspective to the rhythm of the
artist, due to his bond with the sea.
composition.
This iconic image is highly recognisable
As an endangered species this type
as a symbol of amity between the Animal
of cetacean recalls the significance of
Kingdom and human beings. It also
responsible and sustainable fishing to halt
makes a firm statement on survival and
the continual decline on the earth’s marine
overcoming adversities. The Whale Chair,
life population. “Ignorance is the parent of
was designed to be a centre piece. Its
fear” - Moby Dick (Herman Melville).
size and dimension makes it ideal for
[31]
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All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
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All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
[34]
All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
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All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
the toad
THE INCONSPICUOUS PRESENCE
This Chair resembles the common species
offer a firm contrast with the irregular
of Toad that inhabits the European and
bumps on his leathery skin. This feature,
North African continents. Emerging from
which helps the animal to visually blend
hibernation as an oversized piece, it
into its environments by breaking up its
constitutes the first two-seater chair of the
outline, is the most singular aspect of
Collection. The design of The Toad Sofa
this piece and has an opposite effect in
has required using the back part of the
urban surroundings. Like a bustling city,
animal. Being a headless representation
it conceals during the day only to emerge
has made it easier to establish an
at dusk. The Toad Sofa proclaims the
emotional connection with the viewer.
misnamed ugliness of unconventional figures and believes in new interpretation
For the front seat section, the Artist has
of archaic concepts: being truthful to
opted for a minimalist baroque style,
himself even if kissed by a princess.
where the smooth and simple surfaces
[37]
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All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
[39]
All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
[40]
All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
[41]
All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
the beetle
NATIVE SHIELD
The European rhinoceros beetle is one of the largest
insects species, which are the most diverse groups
and most singular insects of its kind. Its most
of animals on the planet. Concerning the design, the
representative feature, the distinctive cranial curved
seat section is located within the outer shell covering
horn, it is used to fight other males during mating
the wings that form the skeleton and protecting the
season and as a tool for digging. These species are
animal. The fact of adapting the beetle’s morphology
the strongest land animal in relation to their size; it
to a more functional esthetic, allows the composition
is capable to lift items over a hundred times its own
of the skeleton and the extrinsic figures to be seen
weight. Based on this concept, we have increased
without any interruptions.
its proportions in the same order of magnitude, creating an oversize piece with the intention of
While the process of metamorphosis can last up to
making its potential and condition more obvious. This
several years, until the beetle reaches adulthood,
element permits to submerging it into our subjective
its life is limited to only a few months. Just as an
perspective of the world. The Beetle Chair states a
honourable medieval knight dons his impeccable
new twist inside the Collection, welcoming the vast
armour for the final battle.
[43]
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All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
[45]
All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
[46]
All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
[47]
All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
the elephant THE PERPETUAL EXISTENCE
The Elephant is the largest land mammal,
reproduced according to the style using
known for its memory, intelligence and
an advanced software we have managed
wisdom. This particular piece is produced
to achieve the wood grain texture along
using morphometric data to resemble the
the surface of the seat as well as the
Asian Elephant species having physical
distinctive asymmetrical surfaces typical in
characteristic from this particular type. In
hand crafted wood items.
India, the head of the elephant is used to represent the supreme deity Ganesha who
In the animal part the texture and wrinkles
is popularly worshipped as a remover of
are accurate to the animal’s physiognomy.
obstacles.
This piece welcomes the elephant to invade the human’s habitat as opposed to
The Artist wanted to highlight the ties of
what has been happening through history.
the Indian culture using carving in the
We trust that The Elephant Chair will make
chair section and the pattern has been
a statement reminding us all how unique
duplicated from old Indian furniture and
and fascinating this animal is.
[49]
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All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
[51]
All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
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All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
[53]
All images and text are the Copyright of Maximo Riera Š
These creations belong to a much bigger project by the artist called The Animal Chair Collection. 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.
[54]
THE ANIMAL CHAIR COLLECTION by
505 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90048 | 310.385.9400 LEsperanceDesign.com
Mﾃ々IMO RIERA [THE ANIMAL CHAIR COLLECTION]
features [56]
Colour Black
129 cm
Technical MATERIALS: Animal/Chair: Polyurethane (PU) - Compressed foam Seat: Fine leather Internal Frame: steel Product weight: 65 kg / 143,3 lbs
130,2 cm
173,7 cm
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Colour Black 104,6 cm
Technical MATERIALS: Animal/Chair: Polyurethane (PU) - Compressed foam Seat: Fine leather Internal Frame: N/A Product weight: 125 kg / 275,5 lbs
138,9 cm
215,2 cm
[58]
Colour Black 155 cm
Technical MATERIALS: Animal/Chair: Polyurethane (PU) - Compressed foam Seat: Fine leather Internal Frame: Steel Product weight: 115 kg / 253,5 lbs
87,78 cm
171,38 cm
[59]
Colour Black
Technical
235 cm
MATERIALS: Animal/Chair: Polyurethane (PU) - Compressed foam Seat: Fine leather Internal Frame: Steel Product weight: 120 kg / 264,55 lbs
234 cm
[60]
236 cm
Colour Black
Technical
200 cm
MATERIALS: Animal/Chair: Polyurethane (PU) - Compressed foam Seat: Fine leather Internal Frame: Steel Product weight: 90 kg / 198,4 lbs
101 cm
180 cm [61]
Colour Black
Technical
133,97 cm
MATERIALS: Animal/Chair: Polyurethane (PU) - Compressed foam Seat: Fine leather Internal Frame: Steel Product weight: 115 kg / 253,3 lbs
120,80 cm
207,51 cm
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Colour Black
Technical
297 cm
MATERIALS: Animal/Chair: Polyurethane (PU) - Compressed foam Seat: Fine leather Internal Frame: N/A Product weight: 125 kg / 275,5 lbs
230 cm
167 cm [63]