The Animal Chair collection by Máximo Riera constitutes a diverse range of species, from mammals to reptiles, and even including insects. Each creation retains the animal’s natural vitality whilst being totally biological accurate in their appearance. This collection is homage to these animals and the whole animal kingdom which inhabits our planet, as an attempt to reflect and capture the beauty of nature in each living thing.
The Octopus chair was the first piece of the Animal Chair Collection and established a point of departure for the pieces to come. Its elegance is perhaps the most outstanding aspect of the piece. In order to be fithful to the animal’s physique and the natural loftiness of its movements, it was necessary to built an internal frame to hold its structure and make possible its posture. Lke in the ret of the piece, the animal is the unique protagonist of this oeuvre. In the same way that man and nature relies on each other in order to coexist successfully, the Octopus chair places the animal and human being in harmony, where each is considered equal and one is not subject to other. The Octopus is not decoration, it is a concept that establishes the affair between the animal, chair and the human as one single unity.
This piece has been designed to be the first piece of the collection. It perfectly resembles the animal’s figure from one side to the other. The Walrus was designed to accommodate the seats upon its back, merging into the animal with a flawless compatibility. This fact gives uniqueness to the composition. The artist wanted to preserve the real elevation of the animal, making the person who sits on it, share the same perspective. One of the most challenging aspects in the work was the skin’s texture and consistency. The Walrus possesses a natural volumeand magnitude, attributes that make him recognizable and distinct from any other species. Its thick skin wrinkles and rests along its surface; this was a key element to keep under consideration to prevent an artificial result. To achieve the best possible outcome, the artist uses the most accurate graphic biological data. For that reason, the Walrus Chair is an outstanding piece which holds a vital spirit.
Because of the superlative size and presence, the Rhino Chair is considered more like a throne than a regular chair. Like its prodecessor, it contains an inner frame along its body to support its weight and reinforce its balance. There is no better animal than the Rhino to reflect nature’s capacity and mightiness. From an early stage when this chair was just a mere idea, the artist was aware that the strongpoint of the piece was maintaining, as far as possible, its proportions. Considering that not many people had the opportunity to appreciate the beauty these animals standing in front of them, Maximo wants to bring them closer to us, the spectators, creating a virtual interaction. The Rhino Chair is built on a superior scale to generate an authoritative forcewith respect to its surroundings, a quality present on the animal itself. The Rhino Chair is a truly breath taking piece.
Máximo Riera
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Máximo Riera has been a practicing artist for over thirty years. Whilst predominantly working in photography, painting and sculpture, he has also published a collection of poetry. Inspired by his travel and experiences through Europe and the Caribbean Islands, Máximo’s vibrant use of colour and evocative attention to detail have been an inspiration which convey the meaning of his creations. His work also demonstrates a predominant influence from abstract expressionism and the Pop Art movements. Even though his artistic career was relegated to a secondary role due to his professional life in the medical industry, Máximo still organized several exhibitions and events for his work,
with all proceeds going to charity.
Born in Asturias, Northern Spain, Máximohas now retired to his studio in Cadiz, where he paints and sculpts each day.
Source: www.maximoriera.com