The ‘Play Furniture’ by Salvador Aulestia

“Today people are looking for limitless comfort and convenience. When he reclines in a chair or an armchair, he forgets that he is sitting. He wishes he didn’t realize the support to be completely comfortable. My chairs are uncomfortable, they are noticeable.”

The man who sits in a chair by Salvador Aulestia necessarily exclaims: “I am sitting in a playful piece of furniture and I give up comfort”. This furniture is aimed at the spiritual man, the interior man, the essential man, and finally man as such.

They are furniture made of pine wood because I chose to work with the most basic material. In this way, by removing all material and quality value, only the value of the object remains.” (from a 1965 interview with the author)

Salvador Aulestia‘s furniture is a mockery of dehumanized industrialization. But in this scandal we can find the motivations for a future human industry, which could be playful, bringing man back to the center of the project.

On display are two original “chairs” presented for the first time at the IX Salòn de Mayo in 1965 in Barcelona and which accompanied the artist/architect throughout his life, exceptionally granted for the occasion, together with some tables of the projects.

During the week, the installation “Do ut Des” by the artist Federico Lemoine will also be presented, which explores the theme of gratuitousness by going back to its origin, the game. The installation involves public participation and allows for unusual interactions.

Almach Art Gallery therefore continues its official participation this year in the Fuorisalone 2024 in Milan, one of the most attractive moments for art and design.