certainly not a national treasure . Although he was to me .
To my surprise , everything went without a hitch . The shipment looked so odd . No one really cared about this humble chair . With that , we were off to New York , not knowing how our lives would change .
On the flight back to New York , I was so happy knowing CHAIR would soon come to live with me . I thought about where we would go , who we would meet and all the adventures we could share . I was seated next to an older woman , unfamiliar to me . We struck up a conversation as two passengers . Little did I know , her name was Ann Sperry . Ann was a pioneering female metal / soft sculptor . Her presence in the art world was renowned . Undenounced to me , she had seen me photographing CHAIR and asked to hear his story .
Unknown to me , CHAIR ’ s story impacted her . Two weeks after getting situated back in my studio , the phone rang . It was Ann . She told me about an exhibition taking place at the Newberger Museum in Greenwich Connecticut . She had already spoken to the curator of the exhibition and suggested that they see my photographs from Cuba and hear the story of CHAIR .
It was very thoughtful of her even think about what we had discussed on the plane , non the less , take the initiative to call a museum . Knowing the art world and the years of planning that go into any exhibition , I was hesitant to take her direction and call the museum . That said , I didn ’ t want to disappoint Ann and felt there was no harm in following her lead .
I took Ann ’ s advice and made the call . To my surprise , the curator requested slides of images I shot of CHAIR . The exhibition was less than two months from opening . I had no expectations other than following direction . The possibility of participating in a museum show of this magnitude seemed farfetched .
Who ’ s to say miracles don ’ t happen ? CHAIR and my photography were selected to join the already formalized show . Not only was the title of the exhibition “ Take A Seat ,” on display were 50 of the most famous designed chairs in global history . Cuban CHAIR now Cuban American CHAIR would take a seat as the 51st .
Who says lives can ’ t change ? Even the life of a CHAIR . It ’ s the power of believing , anything is possible . Just ask CHAIR . He will tell you his story . It might even be your story .
CR seated on Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk with Marine Linard , MP Interiors
On exhibit at MP Interiors , Miromar Design Center , Estero , Florida
PORTFOLIO MAGAZINE 23