chair c. 1927

This chair, attributed to Abel Faidy, lives at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and whoever made it put a lot of thought into how it looks. Check out the seat, it's like a pie chart made of wood, a triangle that has been neatly cut in half with contrasting shades. A simple shape that becomes something else entirely. Then notice the legs, they are not merely functional; they are inlaid with a darker wood. Each of the chair's elements gets equal consideration, and nothing is hidden. It’s a masterclass in showing off, without showing off. The colours—mainly dark browns and warm yellows—feel both sturdy and inviting. Each is allowed to speak for itself. It reminds me of the work of Gerrit Rietveld, who similarly built chairs with exposed construction and simple geometry. This chair, like his, isn't just for sitting; it's for thinking. It’s a conversation piece, and maybe a little bit of a puzzle.