BLOATED SHELF + BLOATHED STOOL by Damien Gernay

A cursory glance at BLOATED_SHELF might cause a misimpression that the four-level wooden shelf has problems supporting its own weight. Resembling a belted belly spilling over with abandon, the planes of the shelves appear to sag as they drape lazily over the horizontal bars upon which they sit. However, the effect is intended by German artist Damien Gernay, who designed the unique shelf with such a form to illustrate the interaction between hard and soft. The rigid wooden frame of the shelf restrains the malleable leather, which has been filled with expanded foam to its round, hearty shape. The design of the shelf cleverly tricks the eyes, the deception deepening to lead the mind to ponder materiality, form, and the intersection of the two.

Same concept applies to the BLOATED_STOOL as well, which has been designed following the inspirational  idea originated from the image of a prominent belly, constrained by the belt, but still comfortable at it fills a round shape around it. This stool intends to explore the dialogue between a rigid structure and a flexible skin.