ben elliot and nagami's Xchair embodies metaverse aesthetics

ben elliot and nagami craft the metaverse-infused xchair

Artist Ben Elliot delves into the speculative world of XR (Extended Reality) with his latest creation, the Xchair. Designed jointly with 3D printing group Nagami, this cutting-edge lounge chair links back to Elliot’s ongoing Metaone project at Gallery Esther Schipper, which mimicks a futuristic interior infused with metaverse aesthetics. The minimalist setup nudges visitors to test out virtual reality (VR) headsets in an environment featuring video work, a chair, a curtain artwork, and printed images pulled from the VR space. Expertly merging digital exploration with physical comfort, the XChair mirrors the landscapes of Metaone’s four distinct virtual realms— SHAPE, DEEP, INFINITE, and ZEN.

Exhibition view: Ben Elliot, Metaone, Esther Schipper, Berlin, 2023

image © Andrea Rossetti, courtesy the artist and gallery

an ergonomic and fluid design reflecting future lifestyles

Ben Elliot (see more here) and Nagami (and here) crafted the Xchair using recycled PETG Polymeras, offering a central piece in any home or living room. The hybrid design responds to the evolving dynamics of modern life by accommodating work, meals, and relaxation amidst the rise of digital tools and extended reality. Its ergonomic, translucent, and curvaceous form, akin to layers forming an L-shape, provides dynamic and responsive sitting, supported by a cantilevered core that functions like a spring. The tactile, evolving texture of the chair reflects a sensual surface, adaptable like skin or shells, while its elasticity allows continual shape adjustments. ‘At the interplay between the solid and the liquid, this design object activates notions of liquefaction, fluidity, and data immersion. Xchair offers us a glimpse into future lifestyles, both preserved and renewed,’ writes art curator Olivier Zeitoun.

the 3D-printed Xchair merges physical comfort with digital exploration