Sebastian Errazuriz’s Bizarre Magistral Chest Hides Valuables Behind Its Spiky Skin
Chilean-born, New York-based artist, designer, and activist Sebastian Errazuriz isn’t happy simply designing nice things to please the eye. Through his work, the internationally acclaimed creator wants to provoke some thoughts and make exceptional pieces, tackling everything from political artworks to experimental furniture. Just take a look (but do you dare to touch?) at his Magistral Chest, a porcupine-like chest of drawers that can hide and protect your most valuable treasures inside its spiky shell.
Sebastian’s Magistral Chest (2014) is a functional sculpture, or sculptural furniture, or both. Difficult to describe, his work sits between art and design, resulting in a memorable sight. His work “demands us to pause and reconsider familiar objects,” the Financial Times once wrote.
Sebastian reinvents the standard typology of a cabinet with perfectly executed craftsmanship and a spiky shell that calls for attention and is, in fact, very aggressive.
This one-of-a-kind piece is made from hardwood maple, bamboo, plywood, and metal hardware and has 20,000 individually inserted bamboo chopsticks on its outer shell (that’s a lot of Chinese takeout!). This protective layer mediates between the object and the user, protecting what’s inside and inviting people to take a step back.
The storage cabinet hides plenty of drawers behind its combative facade, changing its attitude and shape when opened or closed.
If you are enamored with the Magistral Chest, click through to see his similar Magistral Cabinet and the rest of his striking work here.
[Via Toil Drop]
