Pierre Paulin 1980s designs on view at Demisch Danant

Pierre Paulin 1980s designs: orange sofa and brown chair

(Image credit: William Jess Laird)

published 7 May 2023

A new exhibition puts the spotlight on French designer Pierre Paulin’s lesser-known designs from the 1980s. Demisch Danant has partnered with Paulin, Paulin, Paulin on ‘Formal Disruption: Pierre Paulin and the State Commissions of the 1980s’, an exhibition that encompasses some of the designer’s most radical works and limited editions (on view until 27 May 2023).

Pierre Paulin 1980s designs at Demisch Danant

‘We’ve been dedicated advocates of Paulin’s work for the last 20 years, having displayed the furniture he created for President Georges Pompidou for the Élysée Palace (1972) at our gallery in 2005,’ says Demisch Danant co-founder Suzanne Demisch. ‘On a personal level, we've had a warm relationship with the Paulin family ever since we met Pierre and his wife Maia nearly two decades ago. When Benjamin and Alice arrived, we continued our work with them, looking forward to one day doing a project together. We’re thrilled that the day has finally come with this exhibition, presenting models that have never before been commercially produced.’

Table and chair, Pierre Paulin 1980s designs at Demisch Danant

The gallery is revisiting Paulin’s work after previous shows, including the ‘Mobilier National’ group show in 2011, and the ‘L'Homme Moderne' solo exhibition in 2015.

Now, for the first time, Paulin’s pieces that have not previously been displayed are available for public viewing, such as works from collections including ‘Mitterrand Office Set’ (1983), ‘Iena’ (1985), ‘Diwan’ (1991), ‘Baker’ (late 1980s), ‘Amarante’ (1980), ‘Musée des Arts Décoratifs’ (1983), ‘Hôtel de Ville’ (1986), ‘Cathédrale’ (1981) and ‘Tapis-Siège’ (1968).

A particular highlight is the five-piece ‘Mitterrand’ office set commissioned by the French president in 1985, which marks Paulin’s shift to an emphasis on craftsmanship. ‘Presenting the “Mitterrand” collection today is an opportunity to showcase a highly symbolic achievement, both for its modernity and for what it represents in my father’s illustrious career,’ says Benjamin Paulin, co-manager of Paulin’s estate. ‘A synthesis of his knowledge of period furniture and his industrial experience, this collection is the pinnacle of his legacy.’

‘Formal Disruption: Pierre Paulin and the State Commissions of the 1980s’ is on view until 27 May 2023

Demisch Danant
30 W 12th St,
New York, NY 10011

demischdanant.com

Hannah Silver is the Art, Culture, Watches & Jewellery Editor of Wallpaper*. Since joining in 2019, she has overseen offbeat art trends and conducted in-depth profiles, as well as writing and commissioning extensively across the worlds of culture and luxury. She enjoys travelling, visiting artists' studios and viewing exhibitions around the world, and has interviewed artists and designers including Maggi Hambling, William Kentridge, Jonathan Anderson, Chantal Joffe, Lubaina Himid, Tilda Swinton and Mickalene Thomas.