When Painting Steps into Space – Zsófi Barabás x Roche Bobois

In the collaboration between Roche Bobois and Zsófi Barabás, the boundaries between art and design blur. For this joint project, the contemporary Hungarian painter transformed four AVA chairs into unique, numbered art pieces—each one carrying layers of functionality and aesthetic value.

The AVA chair holds a special place in Roche Bobois’ history: it was the winning piece of the brand’s first international Design Award, created by Chinese designer Song Wen Zhong. Its sculptural form evokes a dialogue between Eastern elegance and contemporary technology: the chair is crafted from recyclable polycarbonate in a single, continuous curve using innovative molding techniques.

“The shape of the chair immediately captured me—it’s simultaneously organic and futuristic, reminiscent of the flowing lines of contemporary architecture. I found it exciting to turn a functional object into a canvas that already has its own story,” explains Zsófi Barabás.

Although the artist has previously experimented with spatial works, this was her first time painting directly on an object. The gradient base of the AVA chairs was applied with spray paint, followed by hand-painted black acrylic linework, giving each chair its own character. “The first piece was more restrained and graphic, while by the fourth, I worked more freely with broader brushstrokes—this transformation also happened within me,” she adds.

Rather than telling a specific story, the four chairs convey moods and human connections. “The organic forms I’ve been working with for twenty years are always linked to people, relationships, closeness, or distance. Now, a plant-like, almost living rhythm also appears across the chairs,” says Zsófi.

The shared values of Roche Bobois and Zsófi Barabás—joy of life, creative freedom, and respect for materials—naturally bridge design and visual art. “Roche Bobois pieces delight and function at the same time, which I consider the pinnacle of design. Moreover, the chair’s form—this embracing, gently supportive curve—is very close to what I express in my paintings: the feeling of connection.”

One of the chairs will be featured in a charity auction for the Mosoly Foundation, further reinforcing the project’s community and emotional dimension. “I’ve long supported foundations, especially those working with children. I paint and teach—that’s my way of contributing. If one of my pieces can help others receive support, that’s the greatest reward for me,” says the artist.

The painted chairs will be exhibited at the Roche Bobois Budapest showroom, with the official collection unveiling at the brand’s Christmas event. The reveal not only celebrates the fusion of art and design but also conveys an inspiring message: the objects around us can carry emotions, stories, and connections—just like a painting.