What fuels our fascination with chairs? Why are so many chairs created? And why is this object the most collected among all design items? The exhibition MATCHING SEATS brings together several remarkable pieces from the private collection of Galila Barzilai Hollander at MAD Brussels, each unique in its kind. The chosen chairs of this amazing chairwoman’s collection are matched with contemporary fashion accessories resulting in surreal, humoristic and original conversations.
MAD Brussels, the center for fashion and design, is showcasing a selection of the private collection of collector Galila Barzilai Hollander. Twenty years ago, she purchased her first piece. Since then, she has built an eclectic collection featuring objects floating between art and design. A collection unparalleled in Belgium. As she herself states, she is not an art collector but a true artoholic, addicted to art and design. The focus of the exhibition selection is on collectible design chairs. Some are crafted from extraordinary or surprising materials, while others exist as unique collectible objects. Some chairs pose a challenge to sit on, if they can be sat on at all. All of them, however, are fascinating and thought-provoking to discover.
From broken mirrors to barbie dolls
Eye-catcher of the exhibition is the prototype that led to the Mutation Series by Brussels designer Maarten De Ceulaer. His 2011 armchair, composed of multiple stacked spheres, has since become an internationally recognized design object. German designer Kai Linke approached the standard plastic garden chair— which has proliferated across the planet over the years—with a great sense of humor, transforming it into a mutated version that looks as if it came straight out of an AI machine. Sofia Leitão used mirror shards to create a seating sculpture, while the Italian Anna Monichi crafted a chair from Barbie parts.
Artists Johan De Wit and Laura Lima, for example, found inspiration in the original red and blue chair by Gerrit Rietveld from 1917. Inspired by the historical piece, they let their creativity run free. The first created a paper version in faded tones, while the second turned it into a wheelchair. Brussels-based designer Lionel Jadot pays homage to Botticelli’s painting The Birth of Venus. And designer Thibeau Scarcériaux critiques global violence with his War Chair, crafted from plates of bullet-riddled glass – a piece that has already become iconic.
The exhibition combines unique collectible objects with intriguing pieces and pairs them with striking accessories from the fashion world. As the center for fashion and design, MAD Brussels highlights this link to the fashion industry. The result is a captivating dialogue between the two worlds. Bags from designers as Eunji Oh, Sarah Levy and Naomi Gilon, will be featured next to a scarf from Aurélie Defez and shoes from Marc Martha.
About Galila Barzilai Hollander, Chairwoman & Artoholic
photo by sam gilbert
As she states in her own words: “I am not an art collector. I am an artoholic.” Galila Barzilai Hollander is a fervent patron of the arts, dedicated to discovering emerging artists and acquiring their works. Her tireless pursuit of art has enabled her to develop close relationships with the creators, fostering mutual inspiration and often leading to the commissioning of exclusive pieces. Her collection encompasses over 20 themes, such as eyes, books, chairs and recycling. These motifs offer a glimpse into her psyche, transforming her collection into a personal narrative.
Galila Barzilai founded P.O.C. (Passion Obsession Collection) in Brussels, where her collection can be discovered. The exhibition space is located in a historic industrial building from the 1950s, that was renovated by the architect Bruno Corbisier. P.O.C. serves as a contemporary art exhibition space for the eclectic art collection, featuring around 600 works of international artists and designers. Designed for a culture-seeking audience, it aims to provide visitors with a positive experience that ignites joy and inspiration.
The exhibition MATCHING SEATS runs from March 14 to May 3 at MAD Brussels, Nieuwe Graanmarkt 10, 1000 Brussels. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. www.mad.brussels
During Collectible (13 – 16 March), Passaporta Festival (28 – 30 March) and Art Brussels (24 – 27 April), the exhibition will also be open on Sunday, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
