Axel Chay
Axel Chay is a self-taught French designer whose work is deeply influenced by the landscapes, colors, and rhythms of the Mediterranean. Creating collectible furniture and sculptural objects, he develops a distinctive visual language defined by bold forms, fluid curves, and a strong sense of movement.
Drawing inspiration from figures such as Donald Judd, Julio Le Parc, and Tom Wesselmann, as well as kinetic art and the Memphis movement, Chay explores the expressive potential of a wide range of materials, including steel, aluminum, wood, cork, plaster, and expanded foam. Through his practice, he seeks to create singular pieces that move beyond functionality, establishing a powerful sculptural presence within space.
Interview
I was born in Nîmes in 1990, grew up there until the age of 11, and then moved to Marseille.
When I visited MOMA in NY at the age of 15.
I can say yes, but not full-time. Since I started my previous design studio after business school.
My brother’s creations. He is an artist, and I have always loved his creations. This is the first serve of sculpture/ furniture that motivated us (my previous business partner) to start our design studio.
I do not have a special creative process; it is a very natural and sensitive one. I can easily create under pressure and also without. For me, influence is everywhere: daily life, history, internet.
Since we do a lot of auto-edition, my typical day of work is never the same. It is a lot of work, and I do many things during my day, but I always start by bringing my Childs to school.
It was natural for me to use « metal » since my brother can easily transform it. Our grandfather was a wheelwright, and our father owned a metal construction company.
Most of them have no technical particularities, but they are all crafted and require a lot of hard work (welding and polishing).
Do what you really want to do, and listen to yourself. And most of all, persist.
None.
All of them.
Many, but Muller van Severen is one of my best.
Many, but mostly artists from the Grave movement (le parc, Garcia Rossi, Yvaral, Sobrino, Morellet).
Freedom and Pride.
“Do what you really want to do, listen to yourself, and most of all, persist.”
The Questions
(The Proust Questionnaire is a set of questions answered by the French writer Marcel Proust.
Other historical figures who have answered confession albums are Oscar Wilde,
Karl Marx, Arthur Conan Doyle, Stéphane Mallarmé, Paul Cézanne…)
Freedom.
Boredom.
Sometimes: a lack of confidence.
Jealousy.
My mother.
My way of life.
Excited.
–
Strength.
Strength.
Oh, petard.
Singing and painting.
Be a musician.
My family.
A wizard.
In a castle close to sea and a big city.
None.
Hunger.
Swimming in the sea.
Excited.
Sincerity and fun.
Jean Giono – Arthuro Perez reverte – Jules Verne – Jospeh Kessel.
Batman.
Cousteau.
My father.
Austin (the name of my son).
Fear.
None.
Sleeping.
En avant!
“For me, influence is everywhere: daily life, history, the internet.”
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