92Y Ron Arad lecture

On September 17th, I witnessed the very quirky, very charming Ron Arad speak at the 92Y.  This was the first in the Dialogues with Design Legends series, curated by Daniella Ohad Smith.  It was a 3 part lecture; first a slideshow from Ron Arad, then an interview portion, followed by a conversation with the audience members.

Ron Arad began his slideshow by asking if the audience had any questions before he even began speaking.  The conversation started with banter about his very off-beat wardrobe: a large-brimmed hat which he boiled and fitted to his head, a typographic tee, striped pants “stolen” from another designer’s exhibit, and floppy shoes he picked up in Spain. After we examined every corner of his outfit, he talked about his designs, furniture, installations, and architecture.

He discussed pieces which are on exhibit currently at the MoMa, and also pieces which are not on exhibit.  He told fascinating tales of each metallic, yet organic piece.  For instance, the Gomli, which looks like a large metallic boat-shaped fainting chair, was a piece he shaped and named after his friend, Gomli! He even had pictures of Gomli laying in the metal fainting chair.

One of my husband’s favorite pieces, the Rover Chair, is actually crafted with a seat from an old Range Rover.  It was one of the first pieces of furniture he made in 1981.  He made them for his home, and he eventually needed to sell some pieces.  Someone came along and bought 6 Rover Chairs from him.  Later on, he learned that the buyer was none other than Jean Paul Gaultier!  He said at the time he had no idea who he was, “even Jean Paul Gaultier didn’t know who he was!”.  From there, Ron Arad’s fame began.

The interview portion was no less interesting.  It is true; he has no discipline!  He answered questions and seemed unable to sit still.  His mind seemed forever-racing, and he would go off on tangents which the audience gladly indulged.  He really knows how to capture the hearts of an eager crowd.

The only time he seemed really still (and a little testy) when the host asked the seemingly innocuous question: is design art?  Is his work art or design?  He did not seem to want to entertain the question at all, but did feel very strongly that this question was silly.  Some of his works are chairs, and so they are furniture, not art.  On the other hand, he makes chairs that are not meant to be sit on, but just appreciated, because they are interesting.  He compared it to photography:  no one questions if photography is an art anymore.  “It used be said that it was from a machine; it is not art!  But now no one questions it”.  He also mentioned that sometimes a picture in a news article is most likely not art.  He shrugged off the debate, basically saying, something is either interesting, or it isn’t!

In the end, Ron Arad is endlessly inspiring.  He is truly an artist,  a designer, and a brilliant creator.  He encourages everyone to make something interesting.  He challenges us to think of new solutions!  I am definitely a big fan, and I am so glad I was able to see him.  I was completely inspired at the way he sketched his ideas, especially with mini sculptures.  He said “A sketch does not always have to be a drawing”.  Good advice for artists and designers everywhere!  Follow him on www.ronarad.com.

Please view the gallery.  I apologize, I was only able to take mobile photos, as to not interrupt the lecture. Anyway, who doesn’t love a mobile photo?