ARTS 405 - The Chair

Poet Theodore Roethke once wrote, “A funny thing about the Chair: You hardly ever think it’s there.” We will investigate the history and theory of a ubiquitous but little understood object. A symbol of power, means of regulating labor/social relations, industrial commodity, architecture, art object/subject, and a thing one sits on. We will discuss and examine first-hand chairs and sitting practices, from ancient folding stools to contemp. contract furniture, and digest the diversity of theoretical approaches to chairs and sitting. Enrollment Limit: 15
Instructor: J. Harwood