The Edit Vol. 17 With Guilherme Gallé, Studio davidpompa, Léonard Kadid and More

The internet is full of inspiration. Every day I discover beautiful art, design, and architecture – but often these little treasures get lost in the digital clutter. With ‘The Edit’ I want to share a carefully curated selection of outstanding artworks, stunning architecture, and inspiring designs that catch my eye during my daily research.

One might think that the design of a chair is quite simple: a seat, a backrest, and four legs. However, these requirements present a true challenge for designers. It takes creativity and experience to create a unique and functional design from these basic elements. The following three designs impressively demonstrate the variety of innovative designs that can be created for a seemingly simple piece of furniture like a chair:

Marcin Laskowski demonstrates with his Lobe Chair (Image 1) that four legs aren’t always necessary. Because a striking feature of this chair is its unique, three-legged construction. Made of high-quality oak, the Lobe chair embodies a perfect synthesis of Bauhaus philosophy and modernist aesthetics. Marcin Laskowski’s work is characterized by an experimental approach that breaks down traditional boundaries and elegantly integrates cultural references.

The N Armchair (Image 2) by Russian designer Dmitry Samygin is inspired by designs from the 1920s to 1940s and is a contemporary ode to the works of design legends such as Mackintosh, Rietveld and Le Corbusier. In this homage, Samygin takes the essence of the historical design and balances it with a subtle modernity. The product designer, who comes from Moscow and still lives and works there today, has a passion for clear forms and lines, which he artfully expresses in his works.

And as a third example, I would like to share the Pier Chair (Image 3) by Léonard Kadid, which shows how important details can be. Inspired by the straight, heavy cylindrical columns of pier structures, this chair embodies a simple elegance that captivates with its austere lines. Made of solid oak, the Pier Chair relies on sustainable materials and traditional craftsmanship. The seat and backrest of the chair are precisely milled to ensure a comfortable and ergonomic seating position.
These three design examples impressively show that a simple chair can be much more than just a functional piece of furniture.

Guilherme Gallé – Harmony through color, form and space

Next, I would like to introduce Guilherme Gallé to you. Gallé is an emerging Brazilian artist who explores the notion of emptiness in color and light in his minimalist geometric compositions. He studied at the Universidade Belas Artes de São Paulo and lives in São Paulo. Gallé’s works are characterized by subtle and reduced geometry that create a harmonious connection between color, form and space.

They are an invitation to the viewer to focus on the pure aesthetic experience. In his artistic explorations, Gallé primarily investigates the concept of emptiness. He is interested in establishing a dialogue between the visible and the invisible and strives for a universal language that does without hierarchies and rhetoric.

Guilherme Gallé, Untitled, 2024, oil on canvas, 20 x 20 cm © The Artist
Galle’s works serve as visual diaries in which he records his everyday experiences. Guilherme Gallé, Untitled, 2024, oil on canvas, 20 x 20 cm © The Artist
Guilherme Gallé, Untitled, 2024, oil on canvas, 20 x 20 cm © The Artist
Guilherme Gallé, Untitled, 2024, oil on canvas, 20 x 20 cm © The Artist
Galle impressively manages to find the essence in the details. Guilherme Gallé, Untitled, 2023, oil on canvas, 50 x 40 cm © The Artist

Gallé’s working process is a balance between control and spontaneity. He draws inspiration from his everyday life and incorporates influences from architecture, landscapes, and objects into his works. Beginning with sketches, he then works with a grid of vertical and horizontal lines to achieve a harmonious composition.

After stretching the fabric over the stretcher bars, the artist applies overlapping layers of paint, using glazes and varying the viscosity of the paint. His brushstrokes create texture and depth, creating a multi-layered, dynamic surface. Through his art, Guilherme Gallé finds the essential in the detail, achieving an aesthetic purity beyond hierarchies and rhetoric.

Find out more about him here: https://www.guilhermegalle.com/

Lago Pendant Lamp by David Pompa

Studio davidpompa is renowned for its unique approach to design, showcasing a strong commitment to materials deeply rooted in Mexican culture. In the minimalist design of the Lago 40 pendant lamp, the studio combines onyx stone and powder-coated metal. The design of this minimalist pendant lamp is characterized by its clean lines and simple yet elegant appearance.

The semi-transparent onyx stone makes each lamp unique, highlighting the different shades in each piece. Onyx, also known as Tecalli or Mexican marble, is primarily mined in the Puebla region of Mexico and boasts a diverse color palette.

Read more about here: https://www.davidpompa.com/products/lago-40/

Lago 40 Pendant Lamp by studio davidpompa
The design of Lago40 is characterized by its clean lines and simple yet elegant appearance.
Lago 40 Pendant Lamp by studio davidpompa
Lago 40 Pendant Lamp by studio davidpompa
Lago 40 Pendant Lamp by studio davidpompa
The semi-transparent onyx stone makes each lamp unique, highlighting the different shades in each piece.

Museum Of Art, Architecture And Technology (MAAT)

And finally, I would like to share with you the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) in Lisbon, an iconic building that is certainly not unknown to one or two architecture lovers.

Designed by British architect Amanda Levete, the MAAT impresses with its futuristic and flowing forms. The wave-shaped architecture is a reflection of Portugal’s maritime history and is covered with 14,936 (!) bright, partly three-dimensional tiles. With a height of just 12 meters, the MAAT blends harmoniously into the historic surroundings of the city. The cantilevered, walkable roof serves as a public space and offers an impressive view over the mouth of the Tagus River. The MAAT sees itself as a platform for discovery, critical thinking, and international dialogue, showcasing national and international exhibitions at the intersection of contemporary art, architecture, and technology.

More information about the architecture and the building: https://www.aesence.com/location/maat/

Museum Of Art, Architecture And Technology (MAAT) in Lisbon
Photography by Michiel Annaert
Museum Of Art, Architecture And Technology (MAAT) in Lisbon
Photography by Michiel Annaert

Aesence is an independent art and design publication dedicated to minimalist aesthetics. Founded out of a deep appreciation and fascination, Aesence strives to be an inspiring, informative and truly useful resource for its readers.