The real Ron Arad

Just back from Ron Arad at the Barbican. The Israel-born designer (architect, artist etc) started his career in the 80’s in London’s Covent Garden and was hailed back then by Blueprint magazine as one of the most exciting designers of the time. His unconventional work, which includes many shiny, colourful, ribbed or just darned unusual chairs, has that ‘is it furniture or is it art?’ feel to it (some pieces are quite Anish Kapoor-ish) and Arad is known for experimenting with new technology and materials – eg super reflective steel, moulded silicone, inflated aluminium, Corian and metal rods. His furniture is often curvaceous – even his polished stainless steel ping pong table, which has upturned ends and a dipping centre (apparently to slow down the game and suit his preferred way of playing). All of this is highly impressive, insightful even and I was inspired, I really was. But, I just can’t get past this…