Ika Kuenzel was born in Munich in 1978 and currently lives and works in Berlin. Her design relies on a very classical industrial-oriented interpretation. Often her designs are intentionally poetic and humorous, and they exhibit a strong figurative and narrative bent. Her pieces function as three-dimensional stories and employ found objects. Her work has been exhibited in London, Dubai, and Eindhoven to great acclaim.
CAUTION, THIS IS RODEO! is a series of saddles converted into rocking stools, intended to be used as furniture inside the home. The saddles are attached to bases that are upholstered in leather. The bases are constructed like car seats and stuffed with foam of varying densities. The result is that the saddle is removed from its context. There is an obvious absence: no horse, no barn, no riding. Sitting on a living room floor, a saddle looks out-of-place and strange. Additionally, it is impossible to sit on the saddle passively; the seated person must straddle it and balance by clutching it with his or her thighs. Indeed, it is easy to fall off one of these saddles—hence the CAUTION in the title. Kuenzel’s saddles are aggressive and sexually charged pieces.
