Maximo Riera and his animal chairs

Maximo Riera created these chairs inspired by animals, as few people will have the opportunity to get close to a real one. In addition to having a formidable appearance, the collection is a realistic representation of elephants, giant squids, rhinos, blue whales and smaller but also less attractive insects and amphibians.

Riera says that the pieces are a tribute to the animal world and an attempt to capture the beauty of nature through these living beings. He also mentions that exposing people to these creatures in such a realistic way increases their familiarity with them, developing a relationship of empathy and connection.

The great impact of these chairs is in their fidelity to details in scale and biological precision. The process starts with a sketch, which is then reproduced as a 3-D digital image. Computer numerical control (CNC) technology and mechanized carving tools do the rest, creating intricate replicas of some of the most majestic creatures in the animal world. Each chair is built from an internal steel structure covered with polyurethane and finished with a leather seat.

Although all of Riera’s original works are black, this year they were added to the Animal Chairs collection, pieces in natural tones that increase the layer of realism.

The chairs will be the centerpiece of an upcoming exhibition of Riera’s work at Cities Boutique at Dubai’s Galleria Mall. Scheduled for November, the week-long showcase of Riera’s creations – some of which are already available at the store – will also showcase its collection of Millennial consoles. These beautifully crafted objects combine metal with wood from old olive trees from southern Spain, another comment on the importance of the natural environment and the need to connect with the world around us.

Riera’s artistic efforts were only a secondary aspect of her work in the medical industry, however she spent the last 30 years experimenting with photographs, poetry, painting and sculpture. Inspired by abstract expressionism and pop-art movements, his works are characterized by the use of vibrant colors and extreme attention to detail. Once retired from his daily work, Riera spends his days painting and sculpting in his studio in Cádiz, also continuing to organize exhibitions and events related to this. The Spanish designer donates all profits to charities.