The Costantini team was thrilled to embark on this collaboration with the Kër team beginning in Spring of 2022. Over the past four years we have enjoyed developing a collection of collectible, functional art. It has truly allowed us to demonstrate our artisans’ mastery across many different materials such as fiberglass, wood, stone, leather, fabric, bronze, iron and parchment.

The moniker Kër refers to the word for “house” in Wolof, the language spoken by the Wolof people in Senegal, and the work of the studio thereby also represents the essence of home, a sacred space where meaningful connections can thrive. Studio Kër is driven by a desire to enrich cross-cultural dialogues and provide a platform for diverse voices to flourish, celebrating the power of our shared narratives.

Studio Kër’s craft is characterized by a commitment to sustainability and the rebirth of materials. They defy the cycle of waste by advocating for materials to live multiple lives, believing that they hold stories waiting to be transformed. Every aspect of Studio Kër’s creative process, from strokes to material choices, is infused with intentionality.

Studio Kër’s philosophy revolves around four core principles: STUDY, PLAY, LISTEN, and SPEAK. Through continuous learning, playful experimentation, attentive listening, and purposeful communication, Studio Kër deepens their understanding of materials and the environment enhancing creative insight and sensitivity.

Costantini's first foray into its collaboration with Studio Kër is inspired in part by the ubiquity, accessibility and versatility of the internationally-produced white polypropylene ‘Monobloc’ chair (D.C. Simpson, 1946), “Gumbo Lounging Chair” is a fiberglass lounging chair and corresponding cushion that ultimately makes two propositions for seating—or potentially two seats from one. The chair emphasizes connection in Black gathering spaces for fellowship, intimacy and celebration. The easily anthropomorphized cushion is paired on the seat, or on the floor in the universal tradition.

The chair features a nearly 1” thick fiberglass frame with a smooth seat and textured back/underside.