The Shopping Trolly Chair

Frank Schreiner's 'Consumer's Rest Chair' (1983).

Note. From Design is Fine. History is Mine. (n.d.).

This is an example of Frank Schreiner’s work which he made for Stiletto Studios. The piece was called the ‘Consumer’s Rest Chair’ and was made in 1983. It was created as a satire on the retail experience. I came across this piece when reading an article on Dezeen called ‘Postmodernism: Style and Subversion 1970-1990 at the V&A’ which can be accessed below at the bottom of the page.

I thought this piece could be considered an act of subversion. My reasoning for this is that the design is altering an object for a new purpose. The trolly itself can no longer be used for its initial use but now can be used as a chair instead. In a way I felt this was a form of bricolage; bricolage being the practice of working with whatever materials you have to create something for a new purpose. With both these things in mind, I started to think of new ways I could use subversion within my creative practice. In turn, this could help me answer the question of what ways can subversion develop creativity in relation to practice. Could I adapt methods of bricolage in the creation of my work that, as a result, subvert the ways my normal creation process? What materials do I have available to me in the current circumstances?

I am in the process of researching subversive design movements, regarding my previous post, and I hope, using those works as inspiration, I can create something using only found materials. The question is; will this enhance or hinder my creativity?

Bibliography

Design is Fine. History is Mine. (n.d.). Frank Schreiner for Stiletto Studios… [Tumblr Post] Retrieved from https://www.design-is-fine.org/post/58914426588/frank-schreiner-for-stiletto-studios-consumers

Griffiths, A. (2011, September). Postmodernism: Style and Subversion 1970-1990 at the V&A. Dezeen. https://www.dezeen.com/2011/09/26/postmodernism-style-and-subversion-1970-1990-at-the-va/