naihan li conceals furniture functions in metal crates

 
naihan li conceals furniture functions in metal crates

naihan li always imagined having a space where she could seamlessly live and work. however, the impermanence of her beijing life made it a challenge. in china, the reality that many artist face the potential of having their studios demolished gives creatives a sense of uncertainty. 

naihan li (chinese, born 1981)
tea table (closed), 2014
edition of 12
black walnut, mirror-finish stainless steel, blocks tea tray
closed: L90 x W80 x H50 cm (L357/16 x W311/2  x H1911/16 in)
opened: L168 x W77 x H50 cm (L669⁄64 x W311/2 x H1911/16 in)

trying to conceive a way in which to counteract this, li has designed ‘crates’, a series of mobile furniture objects that she can easily take around with her. drawing on the boxes from which the collection takes its name, the pieces feature metal housing which conceals their functions within: a bookshelf, single sofa, tea table, writing desk, as well as a mobile bar, entertainment center and kitchen unit.

naihan li (chinese, born 1981)
writing desk, 2014
edition of 8
black walnut, mirror-finish stainless steel
closed: L100 x W50 x H96 cm (L393/8 x W1911/16  x H3713/16 in)
opened: L200 x W82 x H120 cm (L783/4 x W321/4 x H471/4 in)

 the contemporary designs are being exhibited at LA’s gallery ALL from may 3rd, 2014 onwards.

 
naihan li (chinese, born 1981)
writing desk, 2014 (closed)
edition of 8
black walnut, mirror-finish stainless steel
closed: L100 x W50 x H96 cm (L393/8 x W1911/16  x H3713/16 in)
opened: L200 x W82 x H120 cm (L783/4 x W321/4 x H471/4 in)

naihan li (chinese, born 1981)
bookshelf, 2014
edition of 8
black walnut, mirror-finish stainless steel
closed: L70 x W70 x H185 cm (L35 7/16 x W35 7/16 x H35 7/16 in)
opened: L140 x W35 x H185 cm (L55 1/8 x W13 3/4 x H35 7/16 in)

naihan li (chinese, born 1981)
single sofa, 2014
edition of 16
black walnut, mirror-finish stainless steel, imported pure cotton fabric,
high-elastic sponge with duck feather filled-in
closed: L72 x W72 x H50 cm (L283/8 x W283/8 x H1911/16 in)
opened: L72 x W72 x H84 cm (L283/8 x W283/8 x H331/16h in)