FORMAL DISRUPTION | Pierre Paulin and the State commissions of the 1980s

Demisch Danant in collaboration with Paulin, Paulin, Paulin are pleased to present FORMAL DISRUPTION | Pierre Paulin and the State Commissions of the 1980s, an iconic showcase of the radical French designer Pierre Paulin’s lesser-known era, opening Thursday, April 27, 2023.

Paulin is one of the most influential French designers of the 20th century. Previously celebrated at Demisch Danant in 2011 as part of the Mobilier National group show, and in 2015 with the L'Homme Moderne solo exhibition, Paulin’s rich legacy is one of continuous innovation.

Revered for his influential, sculptural forms and modular developments of the 1960s and 70s, Paulin is often boxed into the first decade of his prolific career. However, it was the latter half of his creative trajectory that took many by surprise. Introducing some of his most avant-garde works and limited edition collections, he revived notions of classicism and savoir-faire, in materials and design alike.