mike bouchet transforms shopping cart into lounger

 mike bouchet transforms shopping cart into lounger mike bouchet ‘argento libre’, 2011 zinc plated steel, outdoor cushions made of polyester foam with cotton/polyblend fabric 205 x 60 x 50cm courtesy of the artist and nathalie karg / cumulus studios, new york

american-born frankfurt-based artist mike bouchet takes the common shopping cart and reapproriates it, transforming it into an object of leisure and design. bouchet alters the frames of zinc plated steel carts, cutting off the sides of the buggies and modifying their front and back panels by bending them backwards or forwards to achieve certain angles to create lawn chairs / sun loungers. the carts’ childseats are remounted to serve as headrests, allowing one to readjust it to a comfortable height. there is a slight spring to the design, reinforced at major stress points in order to retain structural integrity over time and use. the result is a set of five seating objects, each outfitted with an outdoor, weatherproof, polyester foam cushion exhibiting different patterns.

detail of the foot rest courtesy of the artist and nathalie karg / cumulus studios, new york

the final collection will involve several versions including: the original design with a small parasol, one with an armrest, a double seat or love seat, a side table, and one with a speaker attached for iPod connection. each version is intended to add a different level of comfort and functionality to the everyday.

mike bouchet’s ‘sun lounger’ is presented by nathalie karg / cumulus studios at design miami / basel 2011.

mike bouchet in action reapproriating the shopping carts courtesy of the artist and nathalie karg / cumulus studios, new york