2 - Maarten Baas (born in 1978)

Maarten Baas (born in 1978) Smoke Armchair Charred wood, epoxy resin, black leather upholstery Moooi, Netherlands Year created: 2002 H104 W75 D80 HA41 cm An iconic example of early 21st-century Dutch design, illustrating Maarten Baas’s experimental approach to materials, craftsmanship, and transformation.Designed by Dutch artist and designer Maarten Baas, the “Smoke” armchair is one of the most recognizable and influential pieces of contemporary Dutch design. Conceived in 2002 as part of Maarten Baas’s graduation project at the Design Academy Eindhoven, the “Smoke” collection challenges conventional notions of beauty, perfection, and durability. The armchair is crafted using a unique process: a classically inspired wooden frame is literally exposed to fire. Once the surface is charred, this weakened wood is preserved under a protective layer of clear epoxy resin. The seat is then upholstered in black leather. This process transforms a familiar, historic piece of furniture into a striking contemporary object, combining the elegance of traditional craftsmanship with the unpredictable and destructive nature of fire. Since the combustion process can never be replicated exactly, each “Smoke” armchair features a unique surface, texture, and character. No two pieces are exactly alike. Produced by the renowned Dutch design house Moooi, the “Smoke” armchair occupies a unique place at the intersection of functional furniture, sculptural design, and conceptual art.