Missouri

Wolff Buchholz Title: Manhattan Skyline Medium: Photograph Year: 1990 Signed, dated and titled by hand Edition: 6 Size: 11.9 × 16.4 inches

Set of ten blue leather high back dining chairs designed by Eric Jourdain for Domeau & Pérès France, c. 2002. Originally from the Bridge in Bridgehampton, NY. All ten are in very go...

Our beautiful wool and jute checkerboard rugs are expertly handwoven in Jaipur, India. The checkerboard pattern and neutral off black & natural coloring are chic and sophisticated wi...

Pair of unusual early 20th century antique French cast iron half round demilune wall mounted urn form wall planters. Having traces of blue paint, e...

We love the frame of a Louis chair. The gorgeous beechwood is perfectly-aged and was ripe for something cool and Classic, so we chose a beautiful silk fab...

This Forsyth Ottoman is designed and handcrafted from Dedar's beautiful boucle wool in cream. This is a versatile piece for any room adding natural tex...

Christian Rothmann ROBOTNICS Series C-Print 2019 Edition S (Edition of 10) 12 x 8.3 inches (30.5 x 21 cm) Signed, dated and numbered verso Other Edition Sizes available: - Edition M (Edition of 6) 35.4 x 23.6 inches (90 x 60 cm) - Edition L (Edition of 6) 47.2 x 31.5 inches (120 x 80 cm) - Edition XL (Edition of 3) 88.8 x 58.8 inches (225 x 150 cm) PUR - Price Upon Request -------------- Since 1979 Christian Rothmann had more than 40 solo and 80 group exhibitions worldwide. Christian Rothmann had guest lectures, residencies, art fairs and biennials in Europe, Japan, USA, Australia and Korea. Christian Rothmann (born 1954 in Kędzierzyn, Poland ) is a painter, photographer, and graphic artist.⁠ ⁠ In 1976 he first studied at the “Hochschule für Gestaltung” in Offenbach, Germany and moved to Berlin in 1977, where he graduated in 1983 at the “Hochschule der Künste”. From 1983 to 1995 he taught at the university as a lecturer and as an artist with a focus on screenprinting and American art history. To date, a versatile body of work has been created, which includes not only paintings but also long-standing photo projects, videos, and public art.⁠ ⁠ Guest lectures, teaching assignments, scholarships and exhibitions regularly lead Rothmann to travel home and abroad.⁠ ------------------------ Rothmann's Robots These creatures date back to another era, and they connect the past and the future. They were found by Christian Rothmann, a Berlin artist, collector and traveler through time and the world: In shops in Germany and Japan, Israel and America, his keen eye picks out objects cast aside by previous generations, but which lend themselves to his own work. In a similar way, he came across a stash of historic toy robots of varied provenance collected by a Berlin gallery owner many years ago. Most of them were screwed and riveted together in the 1960s and 70s by Metal House, a Japanese company that still exists today. In systematically photographing these humanoids made of tin - and later plastic - Rothmann is paraphrasing the idea of appropriation art. Unknown names designed and made the toys, which some five decades on, Rothmann depicts and emblematizes in his extensive photo sequence. In their photographs of Selim Varol's vast toy collection, his German colleagues Daniel and Geo Fuchs captured both the stereotypical and individual in plastic figures that imitate superheroes which were and still are generally manufactured somewhere in Asia. Christian Rothmann looks his robots deep in their artificially stylized, painted or corrugated eyes - or more aptly, their eye slits - and although each has a certain degree of individuality, the little figures remain unknown to us; they project nothing and are not alter egos. Rothmann trains his lens on their faces and expressions, and thus, his portraits are born. Up extremely close, dust, dents, and rust become visible. In other words, what we see is time-traces of time that has passed since the figures were made, or during their period in a Berlin attic, and - considering that he robots date back to Rothmann's childhood - time lived by the photographer and recipients of his pictures. But unlike dolls, these mechanical robots bear no reference to the ideal of beauty at the time of their manufacture, and their features are in no way modeled on a concrete child's face. In this art project the robots appear as figures without a context, photographed face-on, cropped in front of a neutral background and reduced to their qualities of form. But beyond the reproduction and documentation a game with surfaces is going on; our view lingers on the outer skin of the object, or on the layer over it. The inside - which can be found beneath - is to an extent metaphysical, occurring inside the observer's mind. Only rarely is there anything to see behind the robot's helmet. When an occasional human face does peer out, it turns the figure into a robot-like protective casing for an astronaut of the future. If we really stop and think about modern toys, let's say those produced from the mid 20th century, when Disney and Marvel films were already stimulating a massive appetite for merchandising, the question must be: do such fantasy and hybrid creatures belong, does something like artificial intelligence already belong to the broader community of humans and animals? It is already a decade or two since the wave of Tamagotchis washed in from Japan, moved children to feed and entertain their newly born electronic chicks in the way they would a real pet, or to run the risk of seeing them die. It was a new form of artificial life, but the relationship between people and machines becomes problematic when the machines or humanoid robots have excellent fine motor skills and artificial intelligence and sensitivity on a par with, or even greater than that of humans. Luckily we have not reached that point yet, even if Hollywood adaptations would have us believe we are not far away. Rothmann's robots are initially sweet toys, and each toy is known to have a different effect on children and adults. They are conceived by (adult) designers as a means of translating or retelling history or reality through miniature animals, knights, and soldiers. In the case of monsters, mythical creatures, and robots, it is more about creating visions of the future and parallel worlds. Certainly, since the success of fantasy books and films such as Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit, we see the potential for vast enthusiasm for such parallel worlds. Successful computer and online games such as World of Warcraft...

1970's chrome geometric configuration étagère by DIA or Design Institute of America with glass shelves and Greek key detail in base. Very nice original condition, chrome is bright, f...

Substantial vintage large handwrought sculptural copper vase or vessel from Santa Clara del Cobre region in Mexico. Made by artisan hands and of ...

These are so beautiful and so comfortable. We love the architectural lines and geometric profile of this iconic Florence Knoll design. This pair is an early example with the walnut l...

Pair of Tomlinson lounge chairs on wood legs with brass castors, possibly designed John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder. Slight sloped scroll arm form with large buttons, seat cushions are...

Leonor Fini (Argentine-French, 1907–1996) A fiercely spirited Surrealist unfettered by social mores, Leonor Fini defied convention with her haunting, dreamlike works that explore the...

Kerry Smith Etta James - At Last Mixed Media on Crescent board Year: 2022 Size: 21x22in Framed Signed, dated by hand COA provided Ref.: 924802-1621 *Black frame with a mirror-gloss ...

Large scale pair of two tier tables by Vetreria Archimede Seguso, Italy, 1952. Hand-blown a Polveri glass with gold inclusions, glass, brass...

Avraham Inlender Untitled Composition (Geometric Abstraction, Fractal) Color silkscreen Year: 1981 Signed, dated, numbered or inscribed Edition: 29 Size: 16.6 × 16.8 on 23.4 × 23.4 i...

Katherine Bello Title: Siren's Song Medium: oil and charcoal on canvas Year: 2021 Size: 22" x 46" x 1.5" Signed, dated and inscribed by hand COA provided (issued by representing gallery) Katherine Bello's aim as an artist is to capture a sense of place, a moment of time, or a feeling - to evoke a sense of wonder. Bello loves paint and paint brushes; bold, gestural mark-making and the interplay of color. She is influenced by light and landscape, poetry, history and science. Formerly educated in Chemical Engineering and Interior Design, Bello is drawn to the process of creating Something out of Nothing. Abstract, sbstract art...

Really nice, simple-profile 19th century Chinese elmwood stool to pull up anywhere. We added a custom zebra hide cushion for comfort. 5 avail...

Marino Marini Due Pomone Plate X from "Tout pres de Marino" Aquatint Etching on Arches paper Year: 1971 Lithograph Size: 10.25x7.45 on 22x15in Edition: 95 Not individually signed (o...

Lesley Richmond was born in Cornwall, England. Lesley now lives in Vancouver, BC, Canada. She received her art teachers training in London, England and her MEd in the USA. She taught...

Large bronze antique Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple bronze door knocker with Dolphin Fish Motif and incised round back plate. Example shown on old temple or monastery door. From the est...

Willibrord Haas Arches and Stripes (Bögen und Streifen) (Post-war Abstraction, Joseph Beuys, German painter) Color Etching Year: 1986 Size: 15.4×19.3 on 25.4×31.3in Edition: 30 Si...

A minimally designed side lamp made using solid ash wood that displays the natural flow of wood with its natural grain as it has been finished in clear lacquer. Our Vrksa Collect...

Grosfeld House 1940s Hollywood Regency design asymmetrical back tufted arm chairs with tassel and column details. These were restored sometime in th...

David Pugh Taped Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta, 100% Cotton Fibre, 315 gsm, Acid and Lignin free, ISO 9706 conform / museum quality for highest age resistance...

From the estate of Jerry Opper & Ruth Friedman Opper Too Much c. 1940-1950's Gouache on Paper 15" x 18", framed wood gallery frame float mount 21.5"x19.5" From the estate of Ruth Friedmann Opper & Jerry Opper. Ruth was the daughter of Bauhaus artist, Gustav Friedmann. San Francisco Abstract Expression A free-spirited wave of creative energy swept through the San Francisco art community after World War II. Challenging accepted modes of painting, Abstract Expressionists produced highly experimental works that jolted the public out of its postwar complacency. Abstract Expressionism resulted from a broad collective impulse rather than the inspiration of a small band of New York artists. Documenting the interchanges between the East and West Coasts, she cites areas of mutual influence and shows the impact of San Francisco on the New York School, including artists such as Mark Rothko and Ad Reinhardt. San Francisco's Beat poets...

Rare Raymond Loewy DF2000 desk in red, orange, and white. See photos for how the desk top slides forward to create clearance for a chair and also reveals storage. Red molded plastic ...

Wolfgang Oppermann “Handzeichnung”, 1975 Colored lithograph Edition: 61 / 222 Signed in Pencil Size: 19.5 x 15.5 inches Wolfgang Oppermann (born September 19, 1937 in Hamburg , † March 11, 2001 ibid) was a German painter , graphic artist and sculptor of pop art and conceptual art . He was married to the artist Anna Oppermann...

John Selburg was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois. He holds a BFA in Drawing, Sculpture, and Graphic Design from Bradley University (2006), and an MFA from the University of Misso...

JB Nearsy Iceberg 2019 Mixed Media and collage on paper Size: 12.75x10in Framed: 18.25x15.25x1.75in Signed by hand COA provided Ref.: 924802-1768 *Framed and matted with black wood ...

Vintage Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture Co. ottoman with brass castors. Original ebonized finish and upholstery, seat raised on brass cylinde...

Set of 4 Alexandria Chairs designed by Edward Wormley. One of Wormley's most coveted designs. These can be used as dining / kitchen chairs, game table chairs or side chairs in any ro...

A most special and large iconic set of Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs designed by one of the most beloved of all Paul Frankl fully restored from top to bottom with newly refinished bleached mahogany frames and new cushions and latte bouclé upholstery. Our shop has carried several Paul Frankl dining sets...

A favourite of the Forsyth design team! We have an incredible collection of vintage chairs and design icons waiting for a new life. Our upcycled womb chairs are some of our most popular designs. This womb chair and ottoman will be made to order with the finest Australian sheepskins...

Super sexy set of three Post Modern counter or bar stools manufactured in the 1980s by Design Institute of America ("DIA") in the style of Milo Baughman. Cantilevered brass stools with long horizontal foot rests. The look is modern, upscale and luxurious. Light and airy but very sophisticated. Fully restored seat with new cushioning. Newly professionally upholstered in super soft ivory white bouclé. The fabric ventilates well making it great for all climates. Cozy in the cold and cool and airy in the heat. The bouclé is also rated highly durable ( over 50k double rubs). These DIA stools...

LEONOR FINI Cat with Staff 1973 Color lithograph Ed. 157/230 12.5 x 9 inches

Photorealistic Oil Painting on Canvas, Framed, Early Spring, Dogwood Tree Jeffrey Vaughn, from Alton, Illinois, received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1978 from Washington Uni...

Stunning Mid-Century Modern Brutalist TOTEM bronze sculpture in the style of artist Joel Shapiro. Cast in bronze, the sculpture takes on the surface or...

LEONOR FINI Tip-Toe Cat 1973 Color lithograph Ed. 157/230 12.5 x 9 inches

ASHLEE SELBURG Ginger Cat Ink and pencil on paper 20 x 16 inches

Vintage umbrella or cane stand, Italian made, takes form of an Umbrella, made of iron twisted rope with gold gilt and black marble base on brass ball feet. Light patina, light wear o...

The central Missouri, river-view studio of painter Gloria Gaus offers her contemplative solitude and direct access to the Midwestern landscapes featured throughout her body of work. ...

Marie Therese Vacossin Geometric Composition Medium: Colour Silkscreen Year: 1979 Signed, dated, titled, numbered or inscribed Edition: 15 Size: 8.2 × 8.2 on 14.0 × 13.3 inches COA ...

Roger Capron French (1922–2006) large ceramic tile evocative of a prehistoric fossil fish, executed in intricate, dimensional detail and finished in...

Kerry Smith The Doors - L.A. Woman Mixed Media on Crescent board Year: 2021 Size: 21x20in Signed, dated by hand COA provided Ref.: 924802-1642 *Black frame with a mirror-gloss finis...

Pair of nightstands in Brazilian rosewood with blue and white drawer fronts designed by Niels Clausen, 1960s, Sweden. Very good refinished condition and ready to use.

Artist : Susan Kiefer Title : Castor & Pollux Adrift on the Wine Dark Sea Materials : oil on canvas Date : March 2020 Dimensions : 40" x 30" x 1.5" Description : Hard-edged geometri...

Float on a cloud in this Charles Hollis Jones style lucite and white shearling rocker made by Hill Manufacturing. Stylish. Comfortable. Cozy. The comb...

Milo Baughman for James Inc. King lounge chair, part of his articulate seating collection with Classic midcentury lines. This chair was reupholstered at some point in the last 10 yea...

David Morris Southside Sync Digital Painting on Archival Paper Year: 2023 Size: 24x24in Edition: 15 Signed, numbered and dated by hand on label to be attached verso COA provided Ref....

Kory Twaddle Choosing a Lane California Driving Series # 7 Pastel, Pencil, Mixed Media on Paper Year: 2020 Size: 30 x 22 inches (76.2 x 55.88 cm) Signed, titled and dated in (colored...

Georges Braque (after) Title: Grenade et Pipe from the Espace Portfolio Year: 1957 Year of Original: 1932 Medium: Pochoir (pigment print) on Richard de Bas, signed in the plate Edit...

Set of 6 Hollywood Regency style indoor outdoor dining chairs fully restored from top to bottom with tangerine orange cast aluminum frames and contrasting orange stripe upholstery. F...

All enveloping luxurious comfort best describes this sexy Post Modern Chaise Lounge designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional newly professionally upholstered in highly durable super soft ivory white bouclé. Famous for his use of curves and amorphous shapes in furnishings, this Vladimir Kagan scallop form chaise lounge has an inviting profile and shape that beckons. The inner walls of the chaise provide all enveloping comfort with wide upholstered channels angled down towards the foot of the chaise. The channels - along with the texture of the ivory white bouclé - ventilate naturally keeping you cozy in winter and cool in summer. Unlike traditional chaise lounges that allow one to recline but are not typically plush, this Vladimir Kagan chaise is the antithesis. Super comfortable seat back, tall upholstered arm rests, thick cushioned seat, and angled upholstered side. Chic, sexy and luxurious. Works for all activities - naughty or nice - at all hours of the day. Enjoy your morning cup of tea or coffee while catching up on emails or reading the latest headlines. Take an afternoon nap. Cozy up with a good book and a glass of wine, phone a friend and catch up or work on your laptop. Activities will be enjoyed all the more reclined atop this Vladimir Kagan Scallop Chaise Lounge...

Sleek Mid-Century Modern set of eight chrome & cane back side dining chairs designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin circa 1970s. Each chair having a thin simplistic chrome frame ...

Unique three-arm chandelier with translucent Capiz shells, having lead frames forming teardrop shaped globes. Each pendant light is held by vintage silk cord at three different heigh...

Optical Glass Sculpture, Cube, Korean American, Minimalism, Yellow Monochromatic Jiyong Lee was born and raised in South Korea. He is a studio artist ...

Fred Alfred Theophil Fathwinter Untitled Abstract Composition Monotype Year: 1969 signed, numbered and dated by hand Size: 11.0×3.9in on 11.6×8.3in COA provided Ref.: 924802-1180 Fathwinter, artist name for Franz Alfred Theophil Winter (May 23, 1906 in Mainz, † June 27, 1974 in Düsseldorf), was an artist of the Informel. From 1924 to 1927 he studied at the State School for Arts and Crafts in Mainz and in 1929/30 in evening classes at the Städelschule in Frankfurt am Main. During the National Socialist period he was banned from exhibiting. His evacuation to Murnau in 1942 led to a closer acquaintance with Gabriele Münter...

Christian Rothmann ROBOTNICS Series C-Print 2019 Edition S (Edition of 10) 12 x 8.3 inches (30.5 x 21 cm) Signed, dated and numbered verso Other Edition Sizes available: - Edition M (Edition of 6) 35.4 x 23.6 inches (90 x 60 cm) - Edition L (Edition of 6) 47.2 x 31.5 inches (120 x 80 cm) - Edition XL (Edition of 3) 88.8 x 58.8 inches (225 x 150 cm) PUR - Price Upon Request -------------- Since 1979 Christian Rothmann had more than 40 solo and 80 group exhibitions worldwide. Christian Rothmann had guest lectures, residencies, art fairs and biennials in Europe, Japan, USA, Australia and Korea. Christian Rothmann (born 1954 in Kędzierzyn, Poland ) is a painter, photographer, and graphic artist.⁠ ⁠ In 1976 he first studied at the “Hochschule für Gestaltung” in Offenbach, Germany and moved to Berlin in 1977, where he graduated in 1983 at the “Hochschule der Künste”. From 1983 to 1995 he taught at the university as a lecturer and as an artist with a focus on screenprinting and American art history. To date, a versatile body of work has been created, which includes not only paintings but also long-standing photo projects, videos, and public art.⁠ ⁠ Guest lectures, teaching assignments, scholarships and exhibitions regularly lead Rothmann to travel home and abroad.⁠ ------------------------------------------------------ Rothmann's Robots These creatures date back to another era, and they connect the past and the future. They were found by Christian Rothmann, a Berlin artist, collector and traveller through time and the world: In shops in Germany and Japan, Israel and America, his keen eye picks out objects cast aside by previous generations , but which lend themselves to his own work. In a similar way he came across a stash of historic toy robots of varied provenance collected by a Berlin gallery owner many years ago. Most of them were screwed and riveted together in the 1960s and 70s by Metal House, a Japanese company that still exists today. In systematically photographing these humanoids made of tin - and later plastic - Rothmann is paraphrasing the idea of appropriation art. Unknown names designed and made the toys, which some five decades on, Rothmann depicts and emblematizes in his extensive photo sequence. In their photographs of Selim Varol's vast toy collection, his German colleagues Daniel and Geo Fuchs captured both the stereotypcal and individual in plastic figures that imitate superheroes which were and still are generally manufactured somewhere in Asia. Christian Rothmann looks his robots deep in their artificially stylised, painted or corrugated eyes - or more aptly, their eye slits - and although each has a certain degree of individuality, the little figures remain unknown to us; they project nothing, and are not alter egos. Rothmann trains his lens on their faces and expressions, and thus, his portraits are born. Up extremely close, dust, dents and rust become visible. In other words, what we see is time-traces of time that has passed since the figures were made, or during their period in a Berlin attic, and - considering that he robots date back to Rothmann's childhood - time lived by the photographer and recipients of his pictures. But unlike dolls, these mechanical robots bear no reference to the ideal of beauty at the time of their manufacture, and their features are in no way modelled on a concrete child's face. In this art project the robots appear as figures without a context, photographed face-on, cropped in front of a neutral background and reduced to their qualities of form. But beyond the reproduction and documentation a game with surfaces is going on; our view lingers on the outer skin of the object, or on the layer over it. The inside - which can be found beneath - is to an extent metaphysical, occurring inside the observer's mind. Only rarely is there anything to see behind the robot's helmet. When an occasional human face does peer out, it turns the figure into a robot-like protective casing for an astronaut of the future. If we really stop and think about modern toys, let's say those produced from the mid 20th century, when Disney and Marvel films were already stimulating a massive appetite for merchandising, the question must be: do such fantasy and hybrid creatures belong, does something like artificial intelligence already belong to the broader community of humans and animals? It is already a decade or two since the wave of Tamagotchis washed in from Japan, moved children to feed and entertain their newly born electronic chicks in the way they would a real pet, or to run the risk of seeing them die. It was a new form of artificial life, but the relationship between people and machines becomes problematic when the machines or humanoid robots have excellent fine motor skills and artificial intelligence and sensitivity on a par with, or even greater than that of humans. Luckily we have not reached that point yet, even if Hollywood adaptations would have us believe we are not far away. Rothmann's robots are initially sweet toys; and each toy is known to have a different effect on children and adults. They are conceived by (adult) designers as a means of translating or retelling history or reality through miniature animals, knights and soldiers. In the case of monsters, mythical creatures and robots, it is more about creating visions of the future and parallel worlds. Certainly since the success of fantasy books and films such as Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit, we see the potential for vast enthusiasm for such parallel worlds. Successful computer and online games such as World of Warcraft, or the creation of avatars are also interesting worldwide phenomena of virtual realities that are not only relevant for children and teens. So when a middle-aged Berlin photographic artist (like Christian Rothmann) chooses to study 120 toy robots with great difference in form, it represents a journey back to his own childhood - even if at the time, he played with a steam engine rather than a robot. Once batteries had been inserted, some of the largely male or gender neutral robots, could flash, shoot, turn around and even do more complicated things. Some can even still do it today - albeit clumsily. This of course can only be seen on film, but the artist intends to document that as well; to feature the robots in filmic works of art. The positioning of the figures in the studio is the same as the tableau of pictures in the exhibition room. In this way, one could say Rothmann deploys one robot after the other. This systematic approach enables a comparative view; the extreme enlargement of what are actually small and manageable figures is like the macro vision of insects whose fascinating, sometimes monster-like appearance only becomes visible when they are blown up a hundredfold. The same thing goes for the robots; in miniature form they seem harmless and cute, but if they were larger than humans and made noises to match, they would seem more threatening. Some of the tin figures...

Christian Rothmann ROBOTNICS Series C-Print 2019 Edition S (Edition of 10) 12 x 8.3 inches (30.5 x 21 cm) Signed, dated and numbered verso Other Edition Sizes available: - Edition M (Edition of 6) 35.4 x 23.6 inches (90 x 60 cm) - Edition L (Edition of 6) 47.2 x 31.5 inches (120 x 80 cm) - Edition XL (Edition of 3) 88.8 x 58.8 inches (225 x 150 cm) PUR - Price Upon Request -------------- Since 1979 Christian Rothmann had more than 40 solo and 80 group exhibitions worldwide. Christian Rothmann had guest lectures, residencies, art fairs and biennials in Europe, Japan, USA, Australia and Korea. Christian Rothmann (born 1954 in Kędzierzyn, Poland ) is a painter, photographer, and graphic artist.⁠ ⁠ In 1976 he first studied at the “Hochschule für Gestaltung” in Offenbach, Germany and moved to Berlin in 1977, where he graduated in 1983 at the “Hochschule der Künste”. From 1983 to 1995 he taught at the university as a lecturer and as an artist with a focus on screenprinting and American art history. To date, a versatile body of work has been created, which includes not only paintings but also long-standing photo projects, videos, and public art.⁠ ⁠ Guest lectures, teaching assignments, scholarships and exhibitions regularly lead Rothmann to travel home and abroad.⁠ ------------------------ Rothmann's Robots These creatures date back to another era, and they connect the past and the future. They were found by Christian Rothmann, a Berlin artist, collector and traveler through time and the world: In shops in Germany and Japan, Israel and America, his keen eye picks out objects cast aside by previous generations, but which lend themselves to his own work. In a similar way, he came across a stash of historic toy robots of varied provenance collected by a Berlin gallery owner many years ago. Most of them were screwed and riveted together in the 1960s and 70s by Metal House, a Japanese company that still exists today. In systematically photographing these humanoids made of tin - and later plastic - Rothmann is paraphrasing the idea of appropriation art. Unknown names designed and made the toys, which some five decades on, Rothmann depicts and emblematizes in his extensive photo sequence. In their photographs of Selim Varol's vast toy collection, his German colleagues Daniel and Geo Fuchs captured both the stereotypical and individual in plastic figures that imitate superheroes which were and still are generally manufactured somewhere in Asia. Christian Rothmann looks his robots deep in their artificially stylized, painted or corrugated eyes - or more aptly, their eye slits - and although each has a certain degree of individuality, the little figures remain unknown to us; they project nothing and are not alter egos. Rothmann trains his lens on their faces and expressions, and thus, his portraits are born. Up extremely close, dust, dents, and rust become visible. In other words, what we see is time-traces of time that has passed since the figures were made, or during their period in a Berlin attic, and - considering that he robots date back to Rothmann's childhood - time lived by the photographer and recipients of his pictures. But unlike dolls, these mechanical robots bear no reference to the ideal of beauty at the time of their manufacture, and their features are in no way modeled on a concrete child's face. In this art project the robots appear as figures without a context, photographed face-on, cropped in front of a neutral background and reduced to their qualities of form. But beyond the reproduction and documentation a game with surfaces is going on; our view lingers on the outer skin of the object, or on the layer over it. The inside - which can be found beneath - is to an extent metaphysical, occurring inside the observer's mind. Only rarely is there anything to see behind the robot's helmet. When an occasional human face does peer out, it turns the figure into a robot-like protective casing for an astronaut of the future. If we really stop and think about modern toys, let's say those produced from the mid 20th century, when Disney and Marvel films were already stimulating a massive appetite for merchandising, the question must be: do such fantasy and hybrid creatures belong, does something like artificial intelligence already belong to the broader community of humans and animals? It is already a decade or two since the wave of Tamagotchis washed in from Japan, moved children to feed and entertain their newly born electronic chicks in the way they would a real pet, or to run the risk of seeing them die. It was a new form of artificial life, but the relationship between people and machines becomes problematic when the machines or humanoid robots have excellent fine motor skills and artificial intelligence and sensitivity on a par with, or even greater than that of humans. Luckily we have not reached that point yet, even if Hollywood adaptations would have us believe we are not far away. Rothmann's robots are initially sweet toys, and each toy is known to have a different effect on children and adults. They are conceived by (adult) designers as a means of translating or retelling history or reality through miniature animals, knights, and soldiers. In the case of monsters, mythical creatures, and robots, it is more about creating visions of the future and parallel worlds. Certainly, since the success of fantasy books and films such as Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit, we see the potential for vast enthusiasm for such parallel worlds. Successful computer and online games such as World of Warcraft...

This Forsyth Mushroom Pouf ottoman was created and designed by the Forsyth design team. Each ottoman is handcrafted in Saint Louis. A cute decorative piece for any room adding natural texture and a bit of whimsy. The perfect ottoman or extra seat. Each mushroom pouf is completely handmade. Custom made to order. Please allow approximately 8 weeks. Shown in Josef Frank's Gröna Fåglar. A beautiful linen. The inspiration for the Gröna Fåglar (Green Birds) print came both from the Trees of Life and from The Green Book...