Louis Claus

LOUIS CLAUS (Brussels, 1939-2020)
Africa" chair, 1980.
Painted wood and fabric.
Inspired by the style of the Memphis Group.
It shows wear and flaws in the seat.
Measurements: 111 x 44 x 36 cm.

The "Africa" chair dates from the eighties, a period in which the Memphis Group movement (founded in Milan) was consolidating, with strong influence throughout Europe. The piece is inspired by that postmodern style with striking geometric shapes, saturated colors and a sculptural treatment of the furniture.

On a square base stands a light blue triangle with one of its curved sides, from which protrudes a yellow tube that acts as a support and tension line. The backrest has a trapezoidal shape: imagine a pyramid whose apex reaches the floor, so that the backrest is very stylized. As was usual in the Memphis style, it combines intense primary colors, bold geometry, asymmetries and a language that evokes both graphic design.

Louis Claus developed his career mainly in the field of sculpture, from which it follows that his incursion into the field of furniture is connoted by the desire to create unique or limited edition pieces, that is, authentic works of art.

In his sculptures, essentially made of painted wood, similar stylistic patterns can be seen in this unique chair. In short, the Africa chair represents a unique intersection between functional furniture and artistic object.

In October 2025, Brussels Art Square in Belgium has dedicated a retrospective of his sculptural, graphic and furniture work to him.