“Gentle Hint” is a pair of minimalist chairs that combine optical illusions and architectural precision. Designed by Kazakh designer Nissa Kinzhalina, they initially appear to be simple sketches with their bold black outlines and thin steel shapes.
Made of metal and acrylic, the chairs convey a sense of symmetry and balance that is both visually appealing and functional. Their choice of materials and use of balance and geometric precision give the “Gentle Hint” chairs a sense of authenticity and clarity. But what makes these chairs special is the illusion and ambiguity they create. Like a mind game that breaks an essence into parts but still retains its whole self, the Gentle Hint Chairs manifest an illusory essence that manages to rise above inaction while avoiding itself.
Nissa Kinzhalina draws inspiration for her work from her childhood on the Kazakh steppe, where she learned to explore large, empty spaces and draw reality in her mind. Her fascination with Japanese architecture has also had a profound influence on her design. In both architecture and furniture design, she looks for details that define and shape space. See more of her work on her website.
© All images Nissa Kinzhalina
