Harp chair c. 1968

Jorgen Hovelskov's Harp Chair at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is a masterclass in material exploration. I love the way it takes the idea of sitting, and kind of abstracts it, makes it into something between a functional object and a sculpture. What strikes me is the physicality of the piece, the way the wood is so clearly worked, shaped, almost kneaded into these flowing forms. The grain is visible everywhere, and the smooth curves of the legs give the impression of a living thing, frozen in motion. The strings, or cords, which make up the back of the chair aren't just there for support - they're like a visual score, a series of lines that create a sense of openness and airiness. Hovelskov really reminds me of artists like Sheila Hicks, who are constantly pushing the boundaries of what craft, sculpture, and design can be. Ultimately, this chair is a invitation to see the world, and furniture, a little differently.