sebastian errazuriz exhibits transformable 'mechanical cabinets' that whirl, rotate, and spin

from now through march 9, R & company presents a solo presentation of new work by chilean born, new york based artist and designer, sebastian errazuriz. ‘breaking the box’ comprises a curated selection of errazuriz’s newest functional sculpture that seek to defy the boundaries between art, design and technology.

‘we tend to understand reality by constraining meaning into closed and simplified boxes defined by previous cultural conventions,’ errazuriz says. ‘we live within these pre-established cognitive borders, where we only tend to see, recognize and accept as true, that which has been previously ordered and defined. in ‘breaking the box’, I use art, design and craft to break open our relationship to objects, function, beauty and time in order to reconsider conventions.’

‘grand complication’ cabinet

the idea of convention is turned on its head through errazuriz’ newly developed designs. the top floor of R & company is devoted to the ‘mechanical cabinet’ series, where each piece is crafted with technical precision that allows for incredible transformations. ‘the mechanical cabinet series is part of an ongoing exercise developing through systems to create outside of the box in methodical and structured manners,’ errazuriz explains.

fan cabinet | wood, metal elements
36.63″ (L) x 17.75″ (W) x 17.75″ (H) / 93cm (L) x 45.1cm (W) x 45.1cm (H)

at first glance, the credenzas, cabinets and boxes may appear simplistically elegant, but they each possess a surprising element. when opened, the interactive works can rotate, spin, and take on new shapes, colors and forms. blending advanced technology with traditional craft, the collection seeks to test the limits between sculpture and function.

fan cabinet (detail)

‘breaking the box’ also debuts newly developed pieces from errazuriz’s ‘metamorphosis’ series — a wooden carved bench and table that are each composed of an organic tree form bases. another focus of the exhibition is a monumental bird chandelier installed in the gallery’s 40-foot atrium space and cascades down three stories.

magistral chest | hardwood maple, bamboo, plywood, and metal hardware
40″(L) x 23″(W) x 23″(H) / 101.6cm (L) x 58.4cm (W) x 58.4cm (H)

spin cabinet | oak, metal elements
32.38″ (L) x 12″ (W) x 21.13″ (H) / 82.2cm (L) x 30.5cm (W) x 53.7cm (H)

spin cabinet (detail)

kaleidoscope cabinet in walnut | mirror, glass, bronze, optical lens, and electric components
56″ (L) x 15.25″ (W) x 43″ (H) / 142.2cm (L) x 38.7cm (W) x 109.2cm (H)