No Coasters: Willo Perron
On view September 22 - November 30
Matter Projects presents Willo Perron: No Coasters, an exhibition of sculptural furniture set in a cinematic desertscape reminiscent of Southern California. A multidisciplinary shapeshifter, the name Willo Perron has become synonymous with visionary adaptability. The design of Los Angeles’ RocNation headquarters, the Creative Direction and Production Design for Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty Shows Vol. 1-3, and a floating Ferrari that hovered above Drake’s concert crowds across the world—all Perron.
Regardless of the medium, it’s become clear in the last two decades that Perron doesn’t work within the boundaries of what’s “possible”—instead, he defines possibility itself. Revered for his work in the arena of transportive, live entertainment (among countless other things), Perron has recently taken to the art of interior design as a natural progression of his insatiable passion for creative direction. Taking the process into his own hands, Perron began designing the furniture that he couldn’t seem to find anywhere else for his projects – the Pillo Sofa (a near-instant classic), the Dino collection, the Vanessa Chair, and more.
With No Coasters, which serves as the public debut of his furniture collection at large, Perron has set a scene of Southern California. Staged throughout Matter Projects, three site-specific backdrops welcome visitors into the Hollywood hills—Perron’s home of 20 years—while colors of the arid landscapes surrounding greater Los Angeles envelop the space in hues of beige, brown, and hints of green.
Echoing the organic forms found dressing each backdrop, the works on view lean into the purity of single fabrics and materials as a reflection of the natural world. Each piece is sculptural, rooted in comfort and craftsmanship, and made with care in California.
“I love simplicity and purity. I have an aversion to clutter and I find minimalism somewhat oppressive. All these pieces are meant to be used and be playful and played with–nothing I make is precious or too fragile, it’s meant to be used. My mantra is ‘no coasters.’”
In total, No Coasters contains thirteen works – the Pillo Sofa, the Mesa Bed, the Vanessa Chair, the Sausage Sofa, and the Dino collection including the table, bench, and coffee table.
