The Red Couch
Sergej Kovalev Human Rights Activist and inmate of the „Perm-36 Gulag“ for 8 years (in the cell where Ukrainian poet Vasyl Semenovych Stus died on September 4th 1985) Perm, Russian Federation 2010
The Red Couch
a gallery of mankind As textile editors, we get the pleasure of seeing our fabrics being translated into beautiful interiors all over the world. It gives us an enormous feeling of fulfillment to see the end result of our products. And at times, we are truly surprised with the ingenuity of our partners in their creative processes. Today we share with you a story that not only surprised us but also deeply inspired us here at Kobe. For years now, one of our product has been travelling the world on “The Red Couch” with Mr.Horst Wackerbarth, a world known photoconcept-artist. Kobe’s upholstery velvet REAL in color no. 1050-18, a lustrous and deep red hue has been used time and again to upholster this couch. Mr.Wackerbarth has travelled more than 53 countries with his red couch over a period of quarter of a century, which he places in a variety of peoples’ living environments and portray them on it. His aim is to create a gallery of humanity that portrays everyone; young and old, poor and rich, the famous and the unknown from the most bustling cities to ice deserts of Alaska and rain forests of South America. Mr.Wackerbarth collects people and fates. More than 700 people from 53 countries have sat down on the red couch and told their stories to him. According to him, the red couch is a common element, recurrent theme, stage, throne and a communication platform all in one. It puts all people on a par. As enticingly red and eye catching the couch is, the focus on the subject(s) who is being interviewed can be clearly seen on the photos. And that is what mesmerizes us – to see our fabric in the most unconventional setting and see the most amazing story being told!
Mr.Wackerbarth’s works have been published in 10 monographs, displayed in 50 exhibitions in museums and galleries around the globe and are included in 13 major collections of contemporary art. The authenticity of the red couch lies in the fact that there is only one red couch on the road. So far, 3 sofas have been lost; one went overboard in the pacific ocean during a daring ship maneuver, the second was burnt during a photoshoot with firemen and the third one was disposed-off mistakenly by workers at a museum. The couch that is currently in use has been in service since 1996 and has seen the highest number of protagonists taking seat on it. The sofa covers are renewed from time to time, with complete restoration having being done twice – after lions and polar bears had ruined it. This is where Mr.Wackerbarth comes in contact with KOBE, to re-order his favorite red fabric. We had the pride and pleasure to have had the legendary man in our headquarters in Valkenswaard recently, where we enjoyed a very inspiring conversation and got to hear amazing first hand stories of his life, travels and adventures.
Zhineng Zhu, China Actor, dedicated his life to Mao Zedong and is authorized by the party to impersonate him. Quintai-Theatre, Hanyang Moonlake Wuhan, Hubei, China 2009 Lambda Print/ Acryl, 100x125 cm
Mao Yangtze Swim On 16th July 1966, Mao Zedong swam 7 kilometres across the Yangtze from this place on the Wuchang bank in order to show his opponents how strong he was despite his advanced years. It provided the trigger for the Cultural Revolution of the Red Guards. Wuhan, Hubei, China 2009 Lambda Print/ Acryl, 80x100 cm, edition of 3
Jimmy Carter Former President of the United States Atlanta, Georgia 1984 Cibachrome, Vintage 40x50 cm
Piefke and Females 1,2,3 Zoo Duisburg Duisburg, Germany, Deutschland 2009 Lambda Print, 40x60 cm
RogĂŠrio Conceicao Galhardo Fisherman, Tavira, Portugal, 2002 Chromogenic Print/ Acryl, 100x125 cm
Elme Greene Jäger - Chasseur - Hunter Beartown Valley, Vermont, USA, 1981 Chromogenic Print/ Acryl, 120x150 cm
Peter Perniciaro Construction worker Brooklyn, New York, USA, 1979 Chromogenic Print/ Acryl, 120x150 cm
Mikhail Gorbachev Former president of the Soviet Union on the building site of the Perestroika Museum Moskwa, Rossija, 1998 Digital Pigment Print
Horst Wackerbarth Photographer, on ringroad 1 near the frozen lake Stemmulรณn Island, 2003 Chromogenic Print/ Acryl, 80x100 cm
Amderma & Terney Polar Bears West-Siberia, Russian Federation 2011 Lambda Print, 60x90 cm
Vincenta Gonzales & JosĂŠ Santos Manueles, Native Lenca Americans, farmers Mirador del Merendon, Honduras 2009 Digital Pigment Print, 150x187,5 cm
Óscar Andrés Rodríguez Maradiaga Cardinal of Honduras DITIP Merkez mosque, Moschee Marxloh, Duisburg, Germany, Deutschland 2010 Chromogenic Print, 80x100 cm
Mirna González Brandon Samuel Aleman Rodríguez Brayon Abelson Alemna Rodríguez El Reparto Lempira San Pedro Sula, Honduras 2009 Chromogenic Print, 59,5x74,5 cm
Edwin Moses world hurdler Irvine, California
Klara I. Sigurdadottir Schoolgirl and tourist guide Jรถkulsรกrlรณn, Vatnajรถkull, Island, 2003 Lambda Print/ Acryl, 120x150 cm
Steve Jobs Apple Computers Cupertino, Fremont, California, USA 1984 Cibachrome, Vintage, 50x60 cm
Sir Peter Ustinov Writer, actor, and director Bursins, Schweiz, 1998 Chromogenic Print/ Acryl, 120x150 cm
Manolo Valenzuela Wine-grower Cádiar, Alpujarras-Andalucia, España, 2002 Lambda Print/ Acryl, 80x100 cm
Lord Menuhin, Yehudi Violinist and conductor reading a Bach score Rainham, Essex, Great Britain, 1998 Chromogenic Print, 180x225 cm
Glacier lagoon of the Vatnajรถkull Jรถkulsรกrlรณn,, Iceland, 2003 Lambda Print/ Acryl, 100x125 cm
REAL 140 CM
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ARTIKEL
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SAMENSTELLING
LICHTECHTHEID
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LICHTECHTHEIT
EINLAUFQUOTE
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ISO 105-B02 1-8
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80COTTON 10MODAL 10POLYESTER POOL/FLOR/PILE/POIL 100COTTON
4-5
0
001050 REAL
140
565
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60000 MARTINDALE SC
uplbD
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