Alien
Designer Jonas Jurgaitis
Produced by Sedes regia
The designer Jonas Jurgaitis was kidnapped by aliens in 1999. The first thing he did after the miraculous return was a sketch of a sofa. He says this design is a message for humans he is supposed to spread and that without a shadow of a smile. But knowing him as an enfant terrible of Lithuanian design scene of the post-Soviet era, who‘s designs in 1993 already looked like souvenirs of a time-traveler, it is really difficult to know what to believe.
Nowadays spotting a piece of furniture completely free of analogies in design history is harder than ever before. In the age of „homage’s“, „revivals“ and „inspirations“, when design is merely enhancing the known archetypes, this „out of nowhere“ piece manages to rise an eyebrow of a critic. Applause at design shows in London, Cologne and Berlin, attention of the „Fachpresse“confirm that we are getting the message right.
„Alien“ is made of moulded poliurethane „dreds“ on plywood frame with a armrest of solid wood, lacquered and polished to high gloss. You notice fast that there is a certain tension between traditionally crafted hardwood and hi-tech upholstery fabrics, and a closer look reveals subtle details and quality of craftsmanship. In some cases the tips of the unfriendly looking hanks are „humanized“ with a Swarowsky jewellery or even LED lights. Originally conceded for contract use, „Alien“, not exactly a lovers‘nest, proved to be comfortable enough also for home. Yes, it is surprisingly adaptive to any pose and constitution, and no, you are supposed to sit on the „dreds“, not the wooden partition.
With the new model underway, the „Alien“ is becoming a family. Or „line“, as we humans say about furniture. If we only knew.
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