-Skyscraper- bookcase c. 1926

This Skyscraper Bookcase was made by Paul T. Frankl, and I can only imagine the fun he had building this with his own hands. The geometric shapes stack together in a sort of uneven tower. The contrast between the black exterior and the red interior makes for a really bold statement. You can tell the artist cared about the interior life of things. What kind of world is held within, both materially, the books and objects we want to house, and emotionally, the spirit of curiosity or imagination. The shelves jut out at odd angles, some larger and some smaller, almost like they are meant to house a series of thoughts. Frankl was part of the Art Deco movement, and his work often featured these kinds of streamlined, modern shapes. It makes me think of Mondrian's compositions, how he took basic elements and turned them into something new. Art is always a conversation, and Frankl adds his own unique voice here.