"Garden Chairs" by Marie-Claire Bozant

"Circus Chair" by Marie-Claire Bozant

Please Take a Seat

Ro Home Shop in the heart of Elmwood Village is a home furnishings and fine art gallery. They offer beautiful items that promote a peaceful environment. The walls function as an exhibition space for art that harmonizes with this concept. Currently displayed is a collection of chair drawings that celebrate the “artistic influences, creative heroes, and imaginary adventures” of Marie-Claire Bozant. She regards the solitary chair as her favorite muse—the household furniture item with the most personality. Her statement explains that she was raised in a military family where frequent moving from place to place instilled in her a sense of constant isolation and transition. Her drawings of singular objects reflect this influence.

Chairs represent a basic state of civility, but before the 16th Century, benches, and stools were commonly used. Emblematic of authority and dignity, more elaborate seating was reserved for royalty or high officials. Henry David Thoreau wrote: “I had three chairs in my house; one for solitude, two for friendship, three for society.” Bozant’s chairs are comfortable in their isolation, though several pieces show societies of three. One called “3 Cabana Chairs” shows a congregation of sporty seats complete with portals and flags. “Houdini Chair” is bound with rope. “Boy Scout Chair” sports a red neck scarf tied about the back. The green armchair called “Hitchcock Chair” includes a black bird perched on top. Another cozy armchair is fleshtone with colorful allover patterning--appropriately titled “Tattoo Chair.”

The artist’s website showcases more of her quirky line drawings that have covered a wide range of subject matter. She favors swimming pools, body parts, and everyday objects. Toasters, stereo speakers, and lamps are all worthy of her pen. These are categorized under specific headings. One called “Maladies” shows a bureau with a missing drawer and a table turned up-side down. Bozant’s appealing works are psychological puzzles drawn with precision and care. The selection of chair renderings at Ro are tastefully presented in white frames and they are simply fun to look at.

The show at Ro (www.rohomeshop.com) will remain on view through August 6th.