Dem Bones

Artist Stuart Semple has created a series of skeletal chairs, all inspired by the song Dem Bones.

The rather Halloween-esque idea has been made more seasonally-appropriate in its use of eye-popping bright neons.

Made in France  each piece is created from a single pieces of acrylic, polished to appear ‘almost like glass’, says Semple.

‘I’m not sure if they are art, sculpture, design or furniture but I’m happy with how they came out’, he says. 

‘I’ve wanted to make something functional yet arty for a long time. So finally some art of mine you can sit on! I’ve been playing with acrylic a lot in my printmaking anyway, so this is an evolution of that.’

The use of brights on transparent nullifies the chairs’ spooky connotations, giving a sense of playfulness and light.

The song Dem Bones, which inspired the project, is a traditional African-American folk song, attributed to songwriter and author James Weldon Johnson. The words are informed by a rather ominous bible passage in which the Prophet visits the Valley of Dry Bones, predicting that God will one day resurrect them.

The song has since been reworked by numerous artists, including 1960s garage rock beat-combo The Kingsmen and Alvin and the Chipmunks.

Only four chairs in each colourway are available, explaining their is £3,600-each price tag. A set of four will set you back £12,000

For more information or to buy visit www.stuartsemple.com