Leonie Evans

[R+R] Reclaimed and Reconstructed

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Salvaged Chairs, Mixed Media, 500 x 500 x 900mm, 2024. (Maker: Walter Evans)

"[R+R] Reclaimed and Reconstructed" is an evocative art installation that breathes new life into abandoned chairs through the dual processes of reclamation and reconstruction. This project involves salvaging discarded chairs and meticulously observing their architecture, capturing their essence in a still-life manner through photography. The creative process includes playing with honest materials, from wood to metal, to reinvent the chairs, giving them a renewed purpose and aesthetic.

Each piece within the collection is a testament to sustainability and innovative design, inviting viewers to reconsider the value of everyday objects. By upcycling these old chairs, the installation not only revitalizes them but also deepens our understanding of sustainability, design, and human experience. The arrangement of chairs offers a unique opportunity for human interaction, encouraging people to engage with the art and each other in a meaningful way.

A significant aspect of this project is the collaboration with the artist's father, fostering interaction and connection through the act of making. This partnership reflects the belief that architecture and furniture are integral parts of our daily lives, shaping our identities and the spaces we inhabit. "[R+R] Reclaimed and Reconstructed" challenges us to see beauty and potential in the overlooked, highlighting the harmony between function and aesthetics.

Leonie Evans, an artist and trained theatre designer living in the Blue Mountains, is the Group Head of Retail Design for Asia Pacific and travels the world purchasing product for at Space, Poliform, and SP01. She leads showroom design, renovations, layouts, and display orders in Australia and Asia, infusing her theatrical touch into events, installations, and product launches. Leonie's passion lies in exploring product design through creative play, creating inspirational artwork. Coming from a lineage of makers, creators, and divergent thinkers, she was inspired to pursue her passion. She believes architecture and furniture are integral parts of our daily script, reflecting our identities in our homes.