Known for his irreverence and humor, Franz West probes some of the taboos of the art world with his functional sculptures. The artist invites people to use these ambiguous, yet strangely familiar biomorphic forms as places for sitting, rest, and contemplation. By encouraging direct interaction with the sculptures in a way that engages the sense of touch as well as sight, West breaks down the time-honored barriers between viewers and works of art, creating a more physical—and perhaps even awkward—experience for the beholder. Through the directness of this contact, West establishes a personal connection between his art and those who encounter it.