Mats Theselius – Art Object or Furniture?

When we look at the Swedish word konst and its English equivalent art, we find that konst originates from the medieval German kunst – with the verb können, “to know” – while art comes from the Latin ars, which means “skill” or “craftsmanship.” Already in the words themselves, we sense a movement between thought and execution, between expression and technique, and that from the very beginning there have been conditions for moving in the borderland between artistry and design.

But what does it mean to be an artist and to be a designer? For simplicity’s sake, one can say that the designer solves problems and meets needs by creating an object that serves a function, whereas the artist does not carry the same kind of burden of proof. The artist’s responsibility is no less for that, as the artist incorporates another type of ideas – expressions of thoughts and feelings – which are meant to be viewed, experienced, and reflected upon.

So where do we place Mats Theselius? And are the things he creates furniture or art objects? In this auction, we not only get to see the classic aluminum armchairs but also the anniversary edition of his playful cabinet, National Geographic. It is clear: it is both.