Fear Chair: Confronting Fears in Style

A Unique Design by Derya Geylani Vuruşan

Designer Derya Geylani Vuruşan drew inspiration from nature's prickly creatures, such as hedgehogs and roses, to create the Fear Chair. The chair's design aims to provoke a sense of fear and discomfort, challenging individuals to confront their fears and learn to live with them.

The Fear Chair stands out with its unconventional choice of materials and striking visual appeal. Made entirely of glass, the chair features copper nails embedded within the transparent block. This unique combination creates an intriguing contrast between the delicate glass and the sharp, intimidating nails.

The realization of the Fear Chair involved meticulous craftsmanship. Vuruşan first created a plaster model of the seating area and then made a plaster mold from it. Using the patte de ver technique, the mold was filled with crystal glass and copper nails. The chair stands on four stainless steel legs, providing stability and adding to its overall aesthetic.

With dimensions of 25 cm in width, 35 cm in length, and a total height of 60 cm from the floor, the Fear Chair is designed to be compact yet impactful. Its unique properties make it a conversation starter and a thought-provoking piece of art.

The Fear Chair's interaction extends beyond its visual appeal. It can be utilized in various settings, such as companies during job interviews. Employers can observe and assess candidates' reactions, gauging their attitudes towards fear, prejudice, anxiety, or caution.

Although the Fear Chair has not been exhibited yet, it was created in a glass studio in Turkey. The design project took place from October to December, with the collaboration of Birnur Derya Geylani.

Vuruşan's research for the Fear Chair led to the exploration of using nails in an unconventional manner. The chair serves as a unique tool to test people's reactions and challenge their preconceptions. The combination of glass and copper nails presented a technical challenge, but after a pretest, it was determined that copper was the only metal suitable for use in glass without causing cracks.

The Fear Chair's versatility allows it to be placed in various settings, including cafes, bars, restaurants, and companies. Its thought-provoking design and ability to provoke discussions make it a standout piece of art.

The Fear Chair was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category in 2013. This prestigious accolade recognizes designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving the quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.