Marc Newson Unveils Striking Marble Console at Gagosian Gallery

Renowned designer Marc Newson has debuted a new, striking marble console, the Extruded Ribbon Console, at Gagosian Gallery. This piece marks his first foray into marble design in 15 years and was a highlight of his recent solo exhibition in Greece. The console showcases Newson's signature blend of classical materials and innovative design.

Key Takeaways

• The Extruded Ribbon Console is crafted from a single slab of deep blue Azul Macaubas stone.
• It represents Newson's first marble design in fifteen years and was created for an exhibition in Greece.
• The design continues his exploration of "extruded" forms, reimagined in a new material.
• A unique "evil eye" motif, naturally occurring in the stone, adds a layer of symbolic meaning.

A Masterpiece in Marble

The Extruded Ribbon Console is a testament to Marc Newson's ongoing exploration of form and material. Carved from a single, substantial slab of deep blue Azul Macaubas stone, the piece embodies a curvilinear, extruded shape that loops into a three-dimensional form. This design is a continuation of the aesthetic explored in his earlier "Lathed and Extruded" furniture series, which were previously showcased at Gagosian.

A Nod to Greek Tradition

For this particular work, Newson selected the Brazilian Azul Macaubas stone, moving away from the Carrara and Bardiglio marbles often associated with his previous series. The choice of this vibrant blue stone was deliberate, intended to echo Greece's national colors of blue and white. His studio noted that Azul Macaubas was chosen for its specific blue hue and its material qualities, which are comparable to marble in terms of robustness and durability. Newson views both stone and marble as noble materials possessing a classic and mythical aura.

The console also highlights Newson's innovative approach to combining traditional materials with modern technology. The CNC milling process used to shape the stone has revealed a unique feature on the surface: a deep indigo spot surrounded by a white ring. This naturally occurring pattern has been recontextualized as an "evil eye," a potent apotropaic symbol deeply embedded in Greek culture. Newson intentionally showcased this motif on the exterior of the first edition, recognizing its significance within the context of the Athens exhibition. Due to the inherent variations in natural stone, each of the limited edition pieces is unique, and this specific "evil eye" feature may not be present on the other consoles.

A Broader Exhibition

Alongside the Extruded Ribbon Console, the exhibition featured other new works presented in a blue and white palette. These included variations of the cloisonné chair and lounge, adorned with Newson's signature circular "orgone" motif created using an ancient enameling technique. Another notable piece was the Murrina White & Blue Table, whose top features a dense blue-dotted pattern achieved through the historic Mediterranean murrine technique. These handcrafted pieces, utilizing intricate heritage methods, artfully mirror the complex molecular structures revealed in the cross-section of the Azul Macaubas stone.

The Extruded Ribbon Console is part of a limited edition of three, with two artist's proofs also produced, and is available for acquisition.

Sources

• Marc Newson’s new marble console, Domus Web.
• Marc Newson at Gagosian Gallery in London, Dezeen.