The Grynasz Studio project has become part of an exhibition under the auspices of A&B - "Transformations. Modernity in the Third Republic". The Bofia armchair has made its home at the National Museum in Cracow. Marta Niemywska-Grynasz and Dawid Grynasz talk about the inspiration for this piece of furniture.
The Bofii armchair designed by Grynasz Studio became part of the exhibition "Transformations. Modernity in the Third Republic"
Photo by Kacper Trzmiel. Source National Museum in Cracow
Icons of contemporary design
The latest installment of the "4 x modernity" series takes a look at the various approaches to modernity in Polish art, architecture and design since 1989. The exhibition space is divided into three chapters. The first is devoted to postmodern art, the next to neomodernism. At the end, we can admire the part called "Multivoice" by the curatorial team , presenting various artistic phenomena of recent decades. Marta Niemywska-Grynasz emphasizes that the exhibition shows how all fields of creativity combine, intertwine and influence each other.
- Using examples of architectural realizations, design, ceramic objects, painting or artistic textiles, the curators of this exhibition guide the viewer through various forms of creation, which are a response to a given geopolitical, economic and social situation," the designer describes.
The exhibition at the National Museum in Cracow is divided into three parts
Photo by Kacper Trzmiel. Source National Museum in Krakow
A look at contemporary design
In their commentary on the exhibition, its curators pointed out that the selected projects show, among other things, the search for separateness and identity in reference to history or local traditions, dialogue with nature, as well as the social context in which individual projects are not only realized, but, above all, born.
- Our material culture, that is, what we surround ourselves with, what consumer choices we make, what lifestyle we develop on that basis, is the product of a very complex mosaic of factors. Therefore, visitors to the Krakow exhibition can both focus on the analysis of individual objects, and see on the macro scale of the exhibition how currents of thought and trends combine to form the landscape of the Polish creative scene," says Dawid Grynasz.
Marta Niemywska-Grynasz and Dawid Grynasz of Grynasz Studio.
Photo by Mati Grzelak © Bizzarto
- We feel that the narrative adopted and the diversity of the presented objects help viewers to better understand these phenomena and how they interact with each other, adds Grynasz Studio's co-founder.
Read more about the exhibition "Transformations. Modernity in the Third Republic".
(Post) modernist inspirations
Among this venerable group was the project of Marta Niemywska-Grynasz and Dawid Grynasz. In the arrangement, whose design was prepared by Magdalena Bujak, stood the Bofii armchair. As the name of the furniture indicates, the armchair is inspired by the work of architect Ricardo Bofill. The Spaniard was one of the main representatives of postmodernism in modern architecture. However, in the armchair from Grynasz studio, we can see inspiration from both modernism and postmodernism.
- In our projects we often refer to the history of architecture and design. This is a natural continuity of ideas for us, as well as a form of drawing on design identity. We both graduated from art high school and art college. We travel a lot. Each of our projects is both a response to the needs of the client and a record of what fascinates, energizes and inspires us. In the case of the Bofia armchair, we drew on the work of Spanish postmodernist architect Ricardo Bofill. The characteristic line of armrests and cushions brings to mind the details of the master's buildings, and the colors of the fabrics we proposed allude to the colors of the south of Spain," explains Dawid Grynasz.
The color scheme of the upholstery refers to the colors of the south of Spain
© Bizzarto
A piece of furniture with an architectural form
The armchair designed by Grynasz Studio for the Bizzarto brand combines geometric precision with soft, streamlined forms, creating a solid with a sculptural character. Its massive cylindrical base and modular design of armrests evoke the monumental estates of Bofill, such as Les Espaces d'Abraxas or Walden 7 - full of repetitive, rhythmic forms. At the same time, the rounded shapes and pleasantly textured fabric give it a cozy feel, balancing the austerity of its architectural inspiration. This is an armchair that will find its way equally well into modern and eclectic spaces, being a distinctive point of the arrangement.
- The Bofia armchair demonstrates our approach to the designer's work. In addition to aesthetic qualities, it combines issues of functionality, sustainable design and accessibility in the broadest sense," adds Dawid Grynasz.
The Bofii armchair combines inspirations drawn from both modernism and postmodernism
© Bizzarto
The furniture is made with full focus on detail, using the highest quality materials. The minimalist form requires maximum concentration of craftsmen. The result of this work is an armchair that, thanks to the quality of workmanship, can accompany us for many years.
- We paid a great deal of attention to ergonomics. The height of the armrests and the recessed base ensure that the armchair can be used comfortably also by people with limited mobility or the elderly," Marta Niemywska-Grynasz stresses.
The furniture has also been appreciated abroad. The Bofii armchair received the German Design Award 2025. The designers from Grynasz Studio received another award in this competition, this time for the Tondo coffee table. In addition, the Bofii furniture collection was recently expanded to include several sofas.
The distinctive line of armrests and cushions brings to mind the details of Ricardo Bofill's buildings
© Bizzarto
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Compiled by:KATARZYNA SZOSTAK
