Where There is Smoke chair 2000 - 2020

Maarten Baas

Wood
80 ⨯ 55 ⨯ 49 cm
ConditionMint
Price on request

The Millen House

• About the artwork
  This Where There’s Smoke Chair (2006) by Maarten Baas is a striking example of his groundbreaking series, where iconic furniture pieces undergo a transformative process of controlled burning. Using a torch, Baas carefully scorched this chair to alter its appearance while preserving its structural integrity and functionality. The carbonized surface, sealed with transparent epoxy resin, creates a unique interplay between destruction and preservation. As Baas explains, the process was not about restoring the original state but redefining the object's beauty by embracing its transformation.The Where There’s Smoke series garnered Baas international recognition, including being named Designer of the Year at Design Miami in 2009. His works are held in prestigious collections such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, Groninger Museum, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and SFMOMA. This particular chair exemplifies Baas' commitment to narrative design that challenges conventional aesthetics.The chair's asymmetrical, charred form is a testament to Baas' philosophy of finding new beauty through unconventional methods, offering a provocative commentary on the impermanence of design and the potential for rebirth through destruction.
• About the artist

  Maarten Baas (born February 19, 1978 in Arnsberg, Germany) is a leading Dutch designer and artist, known for his groundbreaking work that blurs the lines between art and design. He grew up in Burgh-Haamstede and Hemmen and began his studies at the Design Academy Eindhoven in 1996, graduating in 2002 with his groundbreaking project "Smoke".

  In "Smoke", Baas burned classic furniture pieces and preserved them with epoxy resin, creating a unique aesthetic that symbolizes both destruction and renewal. This series was quickly included in the MOOOI collection and attracted the attention of international collectors and museums.

  Following "Smoke", Baas introduced the "Clay Furniture" series in 2006, consisting of hand-sculpted furniture made of synthetic clay on a metal frame. These pieces exude a playful and artisanal charm and were presented at the Salone del Mobile in Milan, further cementing his reputation as an innovative designer.

  Another notable project is the "Real Time" series, launched in 2009, in which Baas visualizes the concept of time through 12-hour films in which actors manually indicate the time. A well-known example is the "Schiphol Clock" at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, where a man inside the clock paints and erases the hands every minute, creating the illusion of an endless cycle.

  Baas' work is included in the collections of prestigious museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. He has also collaborated with exclusive brands such as Louis Vuitton, Swarovski and Dior, and his pieces are in the private collections of celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Kanye West.

  In 2009, Baas was named 'Designer of the Year' at Design Miami/Basel, recognizing his influence and innovation in the design world. His work continues to evolve, constantly pushing the boundaries of functionality and aesthetics, making a lasting impact on both the art and design communities.

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