johnny swing at rabih hage gallery

johnny swing: change rabih hage gallery, london on now until october 23rd, 2010

rabih hage gallery, london presents an exhibition of new works, alongside iconic pieces, by american designer / artist johnny swing who is known for constructing furniture from american coins.

johnny swing all the king’s men, 2010 image courtesy of johnny swing

‘all the king’s men’ is one of swing’s newest pieces. the undulating form of the couch is constructed from thousands of half-dollar coins.

johnny swing all the king’s men, 2010 (front view) image courtesy of johnny swing

johnny swing all the king’s men, 2010 (back / top view) image courtesy of johnny swing

johnny swing all the king’s men, 2010 (detail) image courtesy of johnny swing

johnny swing all the king’s men, 2010 underside construction of the steel rod support image courtesy of johnny swing

johnny swing half dollar / butterfly chair, 2009 installation view at rabih hage gallery image © designboom

the immediate audacity its materials is often secondary to the shape of the ‘half dollar / butterfly chair’. it reveals itself with an exposed substructure holding up the smooth skin of its outer layer. the chair is made from 1,500 half dollars with 7,000 welds made for support purposes. it measures 46″W x 32″D x 34″H and weighs 58 lbs.

johnny swing half dollar / butterfly chair, 2009 (detail) image © designboom

johnny swing ‘quarter chair’ images courtesy of johnny swing

‘quarter chair’ takes on an hourglass shape and the proportions of dining room furniture. made from approximately 1,200 quarters, it measures 21″W x 24″D x 36″H and weighs 28 lbs.

johnny swing ‘quarter chair’ (detail) images courtesy of johnny swing

johnny swing ‘jar chair’ image courtesy of johnny swing

constructed from 96 jars and more than 400 pieces of hardware, ‘jar chair’ takes the inherent preciousness of baby food jars and incorporates them into a piece of furniture. the common notion of ‘I’m not going to sit on glass’, offering both a secure and comfortable position, and a massaging nature. the chair stands at 14.5″W x 25.5″D x 40.5″H.

johnny swing ‘jar chair’ (construction detail) image courtesy of johnny swing