Wendell Castle & Maarten Baas

Carpenters Workshop Gallery’s summer exhibition in Los Angeles, In Conversation, is an eclectic collection of iconic works exploring themes of material, form, and color with a special emphasis on seating and the history of chair design. Centered in the main gallery space, the titular exhibition focuses on an array of chairs that emerge from disparate origins of inspiration. From minimalism and spatial play, to the textures of flora and fauna and the Arte Povera movement, In Conversation highlights how the ubiquitous chair is rife for constant reinterpretation. Highlights include Wendell Castle’s Best Kept Secret, showcasing revolutionary woodworking techniques, and Ron Arad’s molded fiberglass New Orleans #8, reflecting materials of the future.

The entry garden room features a satellite exhibition focusing on bronze works that showcase the breadth of the material’s capabilities. Grounded by one of Ingrid Donat’s iconic commodes, additional works like Vincent Dubourg’s explosive Earth on a Snake and Atelier Van Lieshout’s figurative Together Lamp show the expressive possibilities in bronze as medium.

In the posterior, visitors are greeted by vibrant works in summery hot pinks, oranges and reds. Lea Mestres’ playful lamps, affectionally known as Jessy and Suzy, mingle with works like Roger Herman’s lively ceramic vases and Niko Koronis’ reflective resin console, creating a jovial summerscape.