LAUNCH: CONTOURLINE CHAIR
Bodo Sperlein is proud to introduce an exciting new addition to the Contourline collection, showcased as part of Galerie Philia’s latest exhibition. For this special occasion, Sperlein’s signature designs will be displayed alongside over 100 exceptional works from more than 30 renowned contemporary artists.
Titled The Cabinet of Virtuosity, the exhibition celebrates the art of cabinet making through a curated selection of eclectic pieces, each a masterpiece in its own right. Unifying the diverse range of works is a shared commitment to virtuosity—technical precision, sculptural brilliance, and, above all, aesthetic excellence.
Set within the newly constructed Atelier Alain Ellouz building, the exhibition spans four floors and the surrounding 4,000m² gardens. The space fosters a dialogue between luxurious materials such as alabaster, sandstone, brass, oak, and bronze, creating a harmonious fusion of craftsmanship and contemporary design.
As the Contourline collection continues to evolve, it remains grounded in the same ethos of respecting natural materials and time-honoured techniques, while embracing modern innovation. Each piece is crafted from hand-selected woods, shaped by master artisans to create sculptural forms inspired by the clean, organic lines and understated elegance of the early 20th-century Art Nouveau movement.
Available in Black Walnut, Oak, and an Engineering Grade timber, as well as Beech finished in the traditional Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique, the collection celebrates the beauty of wood in its purest form. Shou Sugi Ban, an ancient method of charring, cooling, and oiling wood, enhances its natural textures while offering an eco-friendly solution for long-lasting preservation. This process not only protects the wood from the elements but also elevates its visual appeal, ensuring each piece is as timeless as the technique itself.
The Contourline collection is more than just furniture; it is a tribute to the art of craftsmanship, designed to complement a wide range of interiors with its sophisticated simplicity.
Launched in 2015, Galerie Philia is an international contemporary design and modern art gallery representing emerging and established designers and artists. The gallery is the brainchild of two brothers who share a lifetime passion for art, literature and philosophy, hence its name Philia, the "highest form of love" in Ancient Greek, also meaning “friendship” or “affection”.
As well as propelling the newest generation of 21st century collectible design, Galerie Philia also works with established practitioners such as Rick Owens (USA), Jérôme Pereira (France) and AlainEllouz (France). Galerie Philia has a strong international presence, with galleries in Geneva, New York and Singapore. In addition to their permanent spaces, the gallery organises temporary group exhibitions and artists residencies in first-class locations around the world.