No Discipline

Many may recognize the work of Ron Arad, and many may own one of his creations. In addition to successfully establishing himself as the standard bearer for the studio design movement; Arad is a prolific designer, designing collections for Driade, Kartell, Moroso, Alessi, and Vitra. Arad's first major U.S. retrospective opens at The Museum of Modern Art on August 2nd. It shows the evolution of a great designer whose work has transcended time; and one who has become a master of his medium. His work is bold, gestural, playful, and cerebral. He creates a language with his form that we all want to speak.

The show is centered around a massive architectural structure that ribbons itself around his work. Not only is it a showpiece of Arad's architectural capabilities, it also creates a dynamic dialog with the work on display.

Working your way around the show you will see a selection of the Paved With Good Intentions tables designed for the Design Miami show in 2005, a prototype of Moby's Trip table inscribed with working notes that become part of the work itself, and one of Arad's most iconic items of design: the Bookworm Bookshelf.

Mass produced items are shown with his studio furniture to great effect. In many cases, such as the MT chairs, they are shown back to back. In this case, the version made for Driade was the influence for his studio masterpiece.

It is clear that the chair has become the star of the show. From the early Tinker chair to the more current Bodyguard series, Arad reveals himself as an artist. You can see how the work matures once you enter the inner structure and gaze upon row after row of these icons of modern design. On their own, they command attention; and here, en masse, they demand it.

Ron Arad No Discipline at The Musuem of Modern Art runs from August 2- October 19, 2009. Ron Arad is represented by the Friedman Benda Gallery.

-Kristen McGinnis

Photography: Kristen McGinnis