Join us for an evening with visionary artist, director, and designer Robert Wilson as he discusses his latest publication, Chairs. Known for his groundbreaking work in theater and visual arts, Wilson brings his signature perspective to the design and symbolism of chairs—objects that hold more meaning than we often realize.
This new book, published by Raisonné and August Editions and edited by Owen Laub with photographs by Martien Mulder, presents a curated selection of chairs created by Wilson, exploring their sculptural presence and theatrical potential. With contributions from leading artists, designers, and thinkers, Chairs is both an art object and a meditation on form, function, and history.
Wilson will be joined in conversation by Adrian Madlener, a design writer, editor, and curator known for his expertise in architecture, interiors, and collectible design. Together, they will explore the intersection of design, performance, and storytelling.
A book signing will follow the discussion. Copies of Chairs will be available for purchase at the event.
Chairs is programmed in tandem with the Guild Hall exhibition, Functional Relationships: Artist Made Furniture on view from May 4 – July 13, 2025.
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Pictured: Robert Wilson. Photo courtesy of the artist.
SPONSORS
Visual Arts programs are supported by funding from Barbara and Richard S. Lane, Lucio and Joan Noto, The Michael Lynne Museum Endowment, The Melville Straus Family Endowment, and additional support provided by The Giuppy Nantista Fund and The Hoie Fund.
Additional support provided by Friends of the Museum: Sara Amani and Timothy Ward, Danielle Anderman, Shari and Jeff Aronson, The Artist Profile Archive, William L. Bernhard, Cara and John Fry, The Hayden Family Foundation, Susan Lacy, Robert Longo and Sophie Chahinian, Elin and Michael Nierenberg, Onna House, Lisa and Richard Perry, Laurie and Martin Scheinman, Jeff and Audrey Spiegel, Hillary and Jeff Suchman, Barbara Tober, Jane Wesman and Don Savelson, Neda Young, Yurman Family Foundation, and an anonymous donor.
Free gallery admission is sponsored, in part, by Landscape Details.
Functional Relationships: Artist-Made Furniture:
Lead Sponsors: Jill and Darius Bikoff, Caroline and Robert Taubman – A. Alfred Taubman Foundation
Special thanks to Ben Krupinski Builder LLC.
Media Partner: CULTURED
Performing Arts programs are supported in part by funding from Galia Meiri-Stawski and Axel Stawski, Henry and Peggy Schleiff, The Melville Straus Family Endowment, Monica and Peter Tessler, and Vital Projects Fund. Music Programming is supported in part by The Ellen and James S. Marcus Endowment for Musical Programming.
Additional support provided by Friends of the Theater: Natascia Ayers and Jim Ciquera, Bonnie and Joel Bergstein, Christine and Bill Campbell, John and Joan D’Addario, Gabrielle and Gianpaolo de Felice, Debbie and Henry Druker, Lena Kaplan, Hilarie and Mitchell Morgan, Steve Pesner, in memory of his wife, Michèle Pesner, The Schaffner Family Foundation, Lisa Schultz and Ezriel Kornel, Jayne Baron Sherman and Deborah Zum, Stacey and Oliver Stanton, Leila Straus, Susi and Peter Wunsch, and Andrew Yuder and Kyle Glaeser.
