federico babina imagines iconic chairs as expressive faces in latest set of illustrations

portrait series chair by federico babina

In his latest series ‘CHAIRPORTRAIT’, architect and graphic designer Federico Babina imagine 30 iconic chair designs like expressive faces. Depending on how one chooses to view the images, one can rationally interpret the drawing and recognize a chair, or let your mind free in search of an intuitive and open association to discover a face. Babina ultimately transforms the famous seats into characters with personalities who live, speak and breathe in a parallel universe.

all images courtesy of Federico Babina

chairs or faces?

“Fantasy is a superpower that everyone has, but many don’t know they have.” said Federico Babina. “With fantasy, things have changing colors and objects come to life taking on an extraordinary appearance.” Using his imagination, the italian illustrator looked at various chair designs from the past, recognizing the profile of the faces in their iconic designs – an effective exercise in creativity that can help develop an “elastic mind”.

The 30 images in ‘CHAIRPORTRAIT’ can be seen as familiar chair models or faces with personality and expressiveness. “I like to think of these chairs that inhabit our homes as active but silent spectators of our lives”, the artist shares.

project info:

Name: CHAIRPORTRAIT
designate: Federico Babina