Marc Newson Unveils Striking New Marble Console at Gagosian Gallery

Renowned designer Marc Newson has debuted a captivating new marble console, the "Extruded Ribbon Console," at Gagosian Gallery. This striking piece marks Newson's first solo exhibition in Greece and his first marble design in 15 years, showcasing a bold departure in material choice and artistic concept.

A Masterpiece in Azul Macaubas

The "Extruded Ribbon Console" is meticulously crafted from a single slab of deep blue Azul Macaubas stone. This curvilinear form is conceived as a three-dimensional extrusion, creating a sinuous loop that defines the table's profile. It represents a continuation of Newson's exploration of extruded furniture forms, previously seen in his "Lathed and Extruded" series.

A Nod to Greek Tradition

For this exhibition in Greece, Newson deliberately chose Azul Macaubas, a Brazilian stone, over the more traditional Carrara and Bardiglio marbles. This selection was driven by its rich blue hue and its ability to echo Greece's national colors of blue and white. The studio highlighted the stone's robustness and durability, comparing its noble qualities to marble. The CNC-milled console also demonstrates Newson's innovative approach to pairing classical materials with advanced technology.

The "Evil Eye" Motif

A particularly intriguing aspect of the console is a naturally occurring deep indigo spot surrounded by a white ring on its surface. Newson's studio revealed that this motif was intentionally showcased on the exterior of the first edition, as it reminded the designer of the "evil eye," a potent apotropaic symbol deeply embedded in Greek culture. Due to the inherent variations in natural stone, this unique "spot" is unlikely to appear on the other limited editions.

Expanding the Collection

The exhibition also features other new works in a blue and white palette. These include variations of the "cloisonné chair and lounge," adorned with Newson's signature circular "orgone" motif executed using an ancient enameling technique. Additionally, the "Murrina White & Blue Table" showcases a top crafted with a dense blue-dotted pattern, achieved through the historic Mediterranean murrine technique. These pieces, utilizing intricate heritage techniques, artfully mirror the complex molecular structures revealed in the cross-section of the Azul Macaubas stone.

Key Takeaways

• The "Extruded Ribbon Console" is a new marble design by Marc Newson, his first in 15 years.
• It is crafted from a single slab of Brazilian Azul Macaubas stone.
• The design incorporates a natural "evil eye" motif, referencing Greek tradition.
• The exhibition also includes other blue and white pieces utilizing traditional craft techniques.

The console is part of a limited edition of three, with two artist's proofs, and is available for sale.

Sources

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