'Simple Boxes'

by Martin Szekely

New works by Martin Szekely entitled ‘Heroic Shelves & Simple Boxes’ will be on display at Galerie Kreo in Paris from the 7th November to the 19th December.

As their title suggests this new collection of ‘Simple Boxes’ by Szekely is an intriguing exercise in design simplification and ecological sustainability. They play on the notion that all pieces of furniture are essentially constructed like boxes. For instance, according to Szekely, a table or a footstool is a box that has had parts of it removed. A cupboard is likewise a perfect box. The works on show at Kreo offer a variety of different interpretations of this idea of furniture as ‘boxes’.

These simple designs are also incredibly ecological because they are made from panels of compressed cork. Cork is made from the topcoat of bark that can be stripped from trees without killing them. This means that overtime it will eventually grow back and can be used again. The benefits of using cork do not end with its sustainability though. The use of cork also makes the works incredibly light, shock absorbent, flame-resistant, soft to the touch and water proof.

These are innovative works with social relevance. For more information please visit www.galeriekreo.com

'Simple Boxes' Shelf (open) by Martin Szekely, 2009, image courtesy of Galerie Kreo

'Simple Boxes' Shelf (closed) by Martin Szekely, 2009, image courtesy of Galerie Kreo

'Simple Boxes' Table by Martin Szekely, 2009, image courtesy of Galerie Kreo