Modern Victorian Inspired Double Armchair Carved from Carrara Marble
Anna Pesonen, a cinematographer and stylist, went to Carrara, Italy, and stayed at a marble quarry for two years. While working with local craftsmen in a workshop, she kept her focus secret, not revealing what she was working on through her lips or social media posts. When the time was right, Pesonen unveiled her limited edition collection called 'DISCOURSE,' which infused a modern and brutalist touch into Victorian-era love seats.
'DISCOURSE' is an apt name for the anthology of chairs carved from Carrara marble. The design of sculptural pieces evokes interconnected seats that resemble a deep conversation process. Pesonen states that the works are related to concepts of limitation, disconnection, solidarity, solastalgia, identity, and community. She hopes that these chairs will invite dialogues not only with oneself but also with other individuals, groups, or ideologies.
While cutting and shaping marble, Anna Pesonen assumes an introspective state. In the process of creating the desired chair design, two sculptural pieces emerge. The 'Introspection Seat 001' is a single-person chair that allows individuals to reflect and detach themselves from distracting elements and judgment. Pesonen envisions the solitary seating area as a respite from constant external noise, hustle, and worries, where users have control over their own introspection. For those seeking social or playful interactions, as well as inward or thoughtless conversations, they can sit on the 'Dialogue Seat 002.' Here, the two chairs are interconnected, with one unable to exist without the other. This arrangement creates a hidden shared moment between two sitters, evoking a sense of unity despite looking in different directions. Pesonen emphasizes that the chairs silently urge individuals to do nothing other than come together and sit face-to-face, encouraging consultation, finding solutions, and getting to know the humanity in each other.
While carrying the essence of her work as an image director and stylist, Anna Pesonen selects model Ottawa Kwami to shoot an editorial for her capsule collection at the marble quarry in the Apuan Alps of Northwestern Italy. The result gathers the origins and new forms of the material in the same space, showcasing them to producers and craftsmen. The marble works create a metaphysical presence and an atmosphere of tranquility that envelops the sitters.
"For my initial works in marble, proposing a non-material quality beyond creating sculptures with a functional aspect for everyday life was the starting point. The works reflect the challenges faced by our global community, the intensification of divisive politics, misinformation media, and the effects of increased separation. They suggest sculpture as a tool and space for introspection and discourse," says Pesonen.