Thomas Barger Topples Rural Luxury in Alien-Like Sculptural Furniture

As part of a new exhibition in Seoul called “Sugar Dish.”

Design
2.2K 0   Comments
Prefer Hypebeast on Google
Save

Brooklyn-based artist Thomas Barger is known for his vivid sculptural furniture. Appearing as if they’ve been pulled from a psychedelic clay animation, Barger’s adventurous designs are implemented across dining chairs, benches, coffee tables and other furniture. The young designer recently unveiled a new series of home objects as part of a solo exhibition at Supply Seoul called “Sugar Dish.”

The latest presentation sees the artist wrestling with the concept of “rural luxury,” as per Salon 94. Key furniture items include a tooth-like stool, a chair with a backrest that evokes underwater coral forms and a pulpy monotone bench.

“These new works not only take on forms that resemble the objects from Barger’s younger years, they also begin a dialogue with elements of utility which point to his memories of growing up queer in a rural context,” added the website.

View the “Sugar Dish” designs above and visit Salon 94’s website for further details. The exhibition is on view at Supply Seoul until August 15.

Elsewhere in design, Kanye West unveiled his new Calabasas Dome concept houses.

Supply Seoul
Seongsuil-ro, 9 지하
Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga,
Seongdong-gu, Seoul
South Korea

Read Full Article
Text By
Share this article
Keith Estiler Managing Editor, Hypeart

Keith Estiler is a New York-born curator, writer, and the Managing Editor of Hypeart, the contemporary art arm of Hypebeast. Based in NYC, Keith heads up editorial strategy at the intersection of contemporary art and culture, capturing the icons and outliers of both the local and international scenes. He has curated exhibitions worldwide, dedicated to championing the emerging voices and subcultures currently redefining contemporary visual culture.

What to Read Next

Louis Vuitton Reissues First-Ever Piece in Art Deco-Inspired Furniture Collection
Design

Louis Vuitton Reissues First-Ever Piece in Art Deco-Inspired Furniture Collection

At Milan Design Week 2026, the maison took over Palazzo Serbelloni with an Objets Nomades installation inspired by Pierre Legrain.

McDonald's Japan Supersizes the Tsukimi Burger Into a 27-Inch Plushie
Design

McDonald's Japan Supersizes the Tsukimi Burger Into a 27-Inch Plushie

The lottery-only prize recreates the burger’s egg, patty, bacon, and sauce at nearly 70 cm across.

Starbucks Japan Collects 18 of Its Best New Store Designs in a Cup-Sleeved Photo Book
Design

Starbucks Japan Collects 18 of Its Best New Store Designs in a Cup-Sleeved Photo Book

The second volume documents locations opened between late 2024 and early 2026, extending the chain’s long-running case for the cafe as a designed public space.


Uchronia Brings Fluid Curves and Glitter Finishes to Tiptoe’s Signature Furniture
Design

Uchronia Brings Fluid Curves and Glitter Finishes to Tiptoe’s Signature Furniture

Featuring four bespoke shades including Astral Purple and Magma Orange, the collaborative drop elevates everyday clamp legs and wall shelves.

Leak Suggests Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Will Not Have 3.5mm Headphone Jack
Tech & Gadgets

Leak Suggests Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Will Not Have 3.5mm Headphone Jack

Samsung enters the world of dongles.

Watch the First 'NBA 2K20' Gameplay Trailer
Gaming

Watch the First 'NBA 2K20' Gameplay Trailer

See Kawhi, Kyrie, KD, AD and more in their new jerseys.

GUESS Jeans U.S.A. Will Launch Sport Line With a Blow Out Event in L.A.
Fashion

GUESS Jeans U.S.A. Will Launch Sport Line With a Blow Out Event in L.A.

Presented by GUESS
Featuring collaborations with Pleasures, Babylon, Medicom Toy and more.

Melii Performs in a Speakeasy for Tory Lanez-Assisted Single “Slow for Me”
Music

Melii Performs in a Speakeasy for Tory Lanez-Assisted Single “Slow for Me”

The music video is directed by Edgar Esteves.

Burger King's "Impossible Whopper" to Be Sold in All U.S. Locations (UPDATE)
Food & Beverage

Burger King's "Impossible Whopper" to Be Sold in All U.S. Locations (UPDATE)

A “taste test” will also be introduced.

HYKE and The North Face Showcase Sleek Technical Layers in FW19 Lookbook
Fashion

HYKE and The North Face Showcase Sleek Technical Layers in FW19 Lookbook

The Japan-exclusive collaboration concludes with this collection.


Versace's Shoulder Bag Showcases Iconic Medusa Head Print
Fashion

Versace's Shoulder Bag Showcases Iconic Medusa Head Print

Continuing with its Baroque inspiration.

Alltimers & adidas Skateboarding Rework ZX 4000 & Gazelle Super
Footwear

Alltimers & adidas Skateboarding Rework ZX 4000 & Gazelle Super

Alongside lightweight jackets, T-shirts, shorts and more.

New 'Street Fighter V' Trailer Introduces E. Honda, Lucia and Poison
Gaming

New 'Street Fighter V' Trailer Introduces E. Honda, Lucia and Poison

All three characters will be available August 4.

Did Suicoke Make Men's Sandals Cool?
Footwear

Did Suicoke Make Men's Sandals Cool?

How the Japanese footwear brand freed men’s toes.

Gagosian Honors Fletcher Family's Surfing & Skateboarding Legacy In Major Exhibit
Art

Gagosian Honors Fletcher Family's Surfing & Skateboarding Legacy In Major Exhibit

Alongside a new Rizzoli publication entitled ‘Fletcher: A Lifetime in Surf.’

A$AP Rocky Speaks on Assault Case in Swedish Court
Music

A$AP Rocky Speaks on Assault Case in Swedish Court

He and the plaintiff were cross-examined earlier today.

More ▾