A survey of work by the designer and architect Oscar Hagerman opens at Kurimanzutto gallery in Mexico City exploring imitation as the sincerest form of legacy. ‘Oscar Hagerman: Sillas de México’ features both his Arrullo chair from 1969 — as well as its myriad knockoffs.
Available at freeway off-ramps and markets across Mexico, these slightly modified reproductions reflect Hagerman’s generous sense of ownership. In each iteration of his classic chair is a mark of ingenuity: a woven rush seat native to a region, or a joinery technique suitable for a different climate.
Born in Spain in 1936, Hagerman long collaborated with craftspeople in isolated regions of Mexico, and based the Arrullo chair on a traditional design. Its ubiquity now, nearly 50 years later, was always the intention, says the designer, who first presented a range of utilitarian furniture while at the Emiliano Zapata Collective for workers and peasants.
The exhibition highlights Hagerman’s social work within these rural communities, and its connection to the ergonomic chair designs. ‘Industrial design teaches us to look for original forms, but the greatest achievement is to create a universe that belongs to people and makes them feel like they own and create it,’ Hagerman says. ‘When I leave, they know how to do it, and they don’t need me anymore.’
INFORMATION
‘Oscar Hagerman: Sillas de México’ is on view until 8 September at Kurimanzutto Mexico City. For more information, visit the website
ADDRESS
Kurimanzutto
Gobernador Rafael Rebollar 94
Mexico City
Mexico
-
Exclusive first look: LightMass^ is a new independent lighting venture by London-based design studio Raw EdgesLightMass^ is the result of experiments in additive technology and bio-based filaments, combined with a drive to create lighting structures with imposing volumes but minimal weight and waste
-
Compact creativity: the best pocketable tech tools show that small is still beautifulThese dimunitive devices offer up functionality and portability in every field, from capturing every kind of sound, vision and imagery as well as ways to edit, write and play it all back
-
Portrait of a modernist maverick: last chance to see the Jean Cocteau retrospective in Venice‘Cocteau: The Juggler’s Revenge’, celebrating the French artist's defiance of artistic labels, is in its final week at Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice
-
Daniel Orozco Estudio’s new furniture draws on organic themesMexico-based Daniel Orozco Estudio unveils 20-piece collection, ‘The Original’, featuring furniture and lighting created in collaboration with craftspeople and creatives
-
This Mexican brand is seduced by its country’s rich craft for new limited-edition objects -
David Rockwell draws upon Mexican memories for his new designs for The Rug Company -
A future-proof Design Week Mexico presents new creative horizons -
Luteca revives the furniture designs of Mexican modernist Michael van Beuren -
Social transparency: Mexico's Studio Xaquixe create sustainable glassware
