August 26 to September 30, 2023
Reception with the Artists: Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 6 to 8 PM
Featuring live music by Jordan Jones-Cleaver
The Bath House Cultural Center presents Arranged Seating, an art exhibition featuring artists from the DFW area that depicts various artistic interpretations of the chair. The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public.
Arranged Seating is a continuation of the first two chair-centric exhibitions (Reserved Seating and Second Seating) that were curated by Terri Stone for the Bath House Cultural Center in 2002 and 2018. Most of the artists who took part in the first shows, plus a few new artists, are returning to show their new interpretations of the chair in 2023. The artists featured in the exhibition are Rita Barnard, Katherine Baronet, Margarita Birnbaum, Byron Black, Kimberly Bradshaw Meadows, Tim Brys, Du Chau, Ray-Mel Cornelius, Nancy Ferro, Lara Gough, Ann Huey, BAM Beverly Ann Moore, Kevin Parma, Marty Ray, Richard Ray, Linda Rector, Tom Sale, Daniel P. Sellers, T.Stone, Elise Techentine, Patty Turner, Jose Vargas, Jerry Warwick, and Kat Warwick. Dallas-based curator and visual artist, Terri Stone, once again curated the exhibition.
The humble chair, often overlooked as a mere functional object, has proven to be a surprising muse for artists throughout history. Despite its utilitarian purpose, the chair possesses an innate beauty and complexity that has captivated creative minds across various artistic disciplines. From painters to sculptors, photographers to designers, the chair’s aesthetic appeal transcends its basic function, becoming a canvas for artistic exploration and expression.
The chair’s allure lies in its intricate design and the interplay of form and function. Artists have been drawn to the graceful curves, elegant lines, and elaborate details that compose its structure. The chair’s potential to embody both practicality and artistic vision has inspired renowned artists to infuse it with symbolism and narrative, elevating it from a simple piece of furniture to a powerful artistic statement.
Moreover, the chair’s versatility as a subject allows artists to experiment with different styles, materials, and techniques. The chair’s enduring presence in the artistic realm is a testament to its ability to transcend its utilitarian role and inspire artists to explore the depths of its beauty, complexity, and aesthetic appeal. Whether as a symbol of introspection, a canvas for experimentation, or a bridge between art and design, the chair continues to stand as a timeless muse, inviting artists to reimagine the ordinary and find extraordinary beauty in the everyday.
