Xavier Lust at Ralph Pucci New York: The New Baroque

In which direction is furniture design moving at the moment?

I think that design is a political act, like art. In the nineties, there was a clear humanist discourse about quality for everybody and all those things. Designers were committed to minimalism. Then we talked about essentialism. Now we are moving toward a new baroque period with sure values like gold. I think this notion of opulence typically surfaces during uncertain times. You can accept minimalism when everything is fine, but right now people want something hotter, tastier, more luxurious.

What is your reaction to this development?

My work has always been on the border between industrial design and art design. I am currently focusing a bit more on limited editions to maintain the freedom to create pieces with fewer restrictions. I am also using brass, bronze and special finishings that look like gold. I have opened the door to a slightly more decorative approach to do something exceptional and emotional.

How important is the aspect of time?

I like to use essential shapes like curves. Ancient symbols also play an important role in my practice. At the Ralph Pucci Penthouse in New York, I will be showing Oudjat, a console. Its title comes from the name for the Egyptian Eye of Horus hieroglyph, the symbol of protection and good health. The shape of the piece of furniture is also inspired by this hieroglyph. You fall in love with these soft lines and never get tired of them. That is my goal: creating works that stand the test of time.

Famous for producing mannequins, Ralph Pucci International has transformed over the past half-century into a leading luxury furniture and lighting company that operates in New York, Miami and Los Angeles as both a production house and gallery.

Ralph Pucci: NY Penthouse
44 West 18th Street, New York

by Norman Kietzmann