Ron Arad

designed 1990-1992
produced circa 1996
number 6 from an edition of 20 and 5 artist's proofs

Friedman Benda, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner, 2007

Design contre Design: Deux Siècles de creation, Paris 2007, p. 230 (for the “Double Rietveld” variant)

Overall excellent condition. Please note the measurements of this lot, which were omitted from the print catalogue: 28 1/4 x 56 1/2 x 18 1/4 in. (71.8 x 143.5 x 46.5 cm). This lot presents throughout with a wonderful rich and painterly patina as seen in the catalogue illustration. With a few small and minor surface scratches and some light rubbing, consistent with gentle handling and use. A dynamic and highly sculptural form.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

One of Arad’s most experimental and ever-changing designs, the “Rietveld” chair originated in a summer workshop at Vitra in 1990 that coincided with the Sticks & Stones exhibition.  As discussed in Deyan Sudjic’s monograph, Arad asked Vitra to prepare in advance coils of tempered steel. Arad and his team then cut and shaped the coils into ergonomic seats, resulting in a stunning series of unique sculptures, including “Beware of the Dog” and “Sit!” The first “Rietveld” chair, which is in the collection of the Vitra Design Museum, was the least organic of the forms produced in the workshop, wherein Arad welded a seat inspired by Rietveld’s “Zig-Zag” design onto a coil strip. Vitra’s prototype lacks the extended footrest of the present model.  In 1991, Arad fused two “Rietvelds” together at the footrest to create a rocker for two people.

The present example represents the final realization of the model, and only a handful were produced by Arad’s studio in Italy. In 2008, Christie’s Paris sold another example from the Italian studio, marked up with instructions by Arad on how to modify the design for production by Gallery Mourmans, but it went no further than that, and the edition remains incomplete. Less than ten total examples of the model, whether prototype, artist’s proof, or numbered, were produced.

Sotheby’s would like to thank Serge Mauduit, Curator of the Collection, Vitra Design Museum, for his assistance in cataloguing this lot.