aesthetic seduction: symbolic furniture to expand queer design

With more than 400 attacks on LGBTQIA+ rights and creative expression in state legislatures during 2023 alone, furniture represents an ideal cross-platform between queer and hetero-normative households that can spark dialogue on identity, community, belonging, and finding common ground. The thesis collection, Aesthetic Seduction, seeks to address this by furthering the Glasgow School and Viennese Secession’s goal of redefining the gendered and ethnic politics of objects and space by utilizing their language and methodology to incorporate queer iconography into symbolic furniture as a means of expanding queer design and generational inclusion.

statement lighting; illuminating the spiritual

Inspired by Fritz Waerndorfer, an original dandy of turn-of-the-century Vienna, and his desire to cultivate beauty, mystique, and intrigue to elevate his social status as a Jewish man. Some of the interiors in his home, including his music room, were designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. These spaces were divided horizontally into two planes. The lower concerned human activity and connection, while the upper highlighted the spiritual realm above.

The dandy pendant lamps perform the same action, designed to frame the queer loveseat’s space for human connection while illuminating the spiritual plane above.

The form was inspired by a 1903 Kolomon Moser chandelier, along with other Mackintosh and Weiner Werkstatte hanging lamps. Symbols utilized unite the collection, including the equal sign, upside down triangle, and abstraction of the progress pride flag.

The pieces were made from aluminum and stainless steel.